NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE fX NLM001050230 .<£<* ^ ^ '■&. ^ DUE TWO WEEKS FROM LAST DATE . i Pk :< J io$u % .* >■ THIRTEENTH EDITION—ENLARGED AND REVISED THROUGHOUT. HOMOEOPATHIC DOMESTIC PHYSICIAN, CONTAINING THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES; POPULAB EXPLANATIONS OP PHYSIOLOGY, HYGIENE, HYDROPATHY ANATOMY AND SURGERY, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, AND AN ABRIDGED MATERIA MEDICA. By J. H. PULTE, M.D., AUTHOE OF "WOMAN'S MEDICAL GUIDE," ET 0., ETC. WITH FULL EXPLANATIONS AS TO THE USE OF THE NEW REMEDIES FIFTY-SECOND THOUSAND. CINCINNATI: D ' SMITH & PARKS. 1875. P5>8 3Vi 1875 EnlPVjd, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1872, BY J. H. PULTE, M. D., In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. STEREOTYPED AT THE FKANKLIN TYPE FOUNDEY, CINCINNATI. PREFACE TO THE TWELFTH EDITION. In presenting this new edition to the kind patronage of I he Public, the Author feels especially grateful for the ac- knowledgments his labors have received in the past twenty years, as shown by the large sales during that time. Fifty thousand copies have been sold in this country; an equal number by the numerous editions of a London reprint for England and its colonies, and, by a Spanish translation of this work, for Spain, Cuba, and the South American republics. Surely, this is the best evidence of the usefulness, nay, necessity, of works on Domestic Practice; so far from les- sening the spread of Homoeopathy, they have most marvel- ously assisted and sustained its introduction. They had, and still have, to fulfill a great mission in the economy of civilized life, and should be improved to the utmost, con- sistent with the object for which they are intended. As the use of a domestic medical work is almost wholly confined to the inmates of a family, who can not be expected to know much about technical medical terms, its style and contents should be adapted to the knowledge of its readers. Accordingly, the Author has, as much as possible, avoided all technical terms; and, where they had to be introduced, their meaning is fully explained in an ample Glossary at the end of the book. In regard to the contents of the book, the Author has, in the selection of diseases for description and in the extent of their treatment, always consulted the real wants of the family and such persons who can not procure proper medical aid. (iii) IV PREFACE. Since the object of all medical treatment is a safe and speedy cure, all means and methods offered should tend alone to the accomplishment of that desirable end, irrespective of party or prejudice. Accordingly, a number of remedies and cura- tive methods can well find, and should have, a place in a domestic medical work, if they are sure and safe means. For this reason the author has introduced, wherever needed, such remedies as would insure a speedy cure by otherwise harmless means; this course, he thinks, increases the usefulness of the work as a Domestic Guide, because it offers the knowledge of good and safe remedies, even if not as yet found in our Ma- teria Medica. The Author has reason to believe that the improvements made throughout the present edition will be found very serv- iceable in the treatment of diseases; he has added articles on diseases not noticed in former editions, such as Trichince, Re- lapsing Fever, etc.; he has also introduced throughout the work, wherever applicable, the use of the so-called " New Remedies." This new feature alone enhances the usefulness of the present edition immeasurably beyond what former editions have accomplished. The list of medicines has, in consequence, been enlarged, although several remedies, not needed now so much, have been omitted. Thus, it will be seen that, by. a thorough, revision, the present edition has been brought up to the advanced stand- ard of Homoeopathy as now taught and practiced. The Author. Cincinnati, Jtlay, 1872. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. Op late years a great deal of attention has been bestowed upon the introduc- tion and perfection of popular works on the treatment of diseases by the med- ical profession, not merely by Homoeopathists, but, also, by practitioners of other medical schools. This shows, evidently, that the hitherto backward world of medical science has been caught at last with the proper spirit of mod- ern progress, whose distinguishing feature in scientific matters consists, un- doubtedly, in the tendency to popularize abstruse sciences, and make them use- ful and accessible to the many. Homoeopathy has not been in the rear as regards these popular instructions, and many valuable volumes have been issued from the press within a short time, which facilitated in a great degree the domestic use of the homoeopathic medicines. This service, rendered by the profession to the public in a liberal and generous spirit, has been amply rewarded by the latter, in extending all over the country more rapidly the blessings of our beloved healing art, and es- tablishing its title, as a benefactor of mankind, more firmly in the hearts of the people. Thus have these messengers of mercy and usefulness traveled with, and often ahead of, the regular practitioners of Homoeopathy—the silent, but efficient, missionaries of truth, declaring it every-where by facts and conquests over dis- ease, won by the people themselves. The profession in general seems now to regard them as necessary allies in the great work of reforming the medical state of the world, and bestows a great deal of care on their constantly-increasing perfection, by making them more practical and definite, progressing in their improvement as the science itself progresses. In the pathology of the work he has followed mostly the views of Hufeland, who is generally practically useful, and of Schoenlein, who is precise and sci- entific. In the therapeutics he has endeavored to consult the best authors of our school, carefully comparing their views with his own results, which are embodied in this work. To increase its general usefulness, popular treatises on Anatomy, Physiology, Hygiene, and Hydropathy, have been added, branches and parts of medical science as a whole, which, when properly understood and digested by the peo- ple, will, in a great degree, aid in fostering the salutary results expected from the use of a domestic physician. Beside this, a condensed extract of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica, given at the close of the book, enables the reader to correct his prescriptions, and enlarge his general knowledge of the homoeopathic science. The Author. Cincinnati, October, 1850. (V) TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Medicines....................................................................12 Notice to Pharmaceutists.......................................................16 Introduction...........................................................................17 Dietetic Rules........................................................................21 PART I. DESCRIPTION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES. CHAPTER I. General Diseases. Remarks. Rheumatism: a. Acute or Inflammatory; b. Chronic. Rheu- matic pains or cold. Gout. Pains in the small of the Back, Loins, and Neck. Pain in the Hip. Hip-disease. Inflammation of the Knee-joint. Inflammation of the Psoas-muscle. Cramp in the Legs. Sweating Feet. Goitre. Sleeplessness. Nightmare. Palsy. Delirium Tremens. Epi- lepsy. St. Vitus's Dance. Tetanus. Trismus. Lockjaw. Somnolency. Lethargy. Fatigue. Overheating and Mental Exhaustion. Fainting. Swooning. Apparent Death from Hunger—from Drowning—from Freez- ing—Lightning—Hanging—Choking—from Noxious Vapors—Fall or Blow—Violent Mental Emotion....................................................27 CHAPTER II. Casual Diseases. I. External Injuries. Fractures of Bones. Dislocation of Joints. Wounds and Bruises. Sprains and Concussions. Burns and Scalds. Poisoned "Wounds—Bites and Stings of Insects. Hydrophobia. Frozen Limbs. II. Poisons—Antidotes. Animal Poisons. Vegetable Poisons. Min- eral Poisons. III. Medicinal Diseases. List of Drugs causing Diseases, and their Remedies....................................................... Cr (vi) TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii CHAPTER III. Cutaneous Diseases. 1. Eruptive Fevers. Rash. Nettle-rash—Hives. Erysipelas. St. An- thony's Fire. Measles. French Measles. Scarlet Rash. Scarlet Fever. Chicken-pox Small-pox. Varioloid. *• 2. Chronic Eruptions. Irritation of the Skin — Itching — PruriCus. Chilblains. Excoriations—Intertrigo. Ringworm—Herpes Circinnatus. Tetter — Herpes. Itch — Scabies. Milk-crust — Crusta Lactea. Scald- head—Tinea Capitis. Corns—Indurations of the Skin. Warts—Ver- rucse. Whitlows. Felons. Panaris. Ulcers. Abscesses. Tumors. Swelling of the Glands. Boils—Malignant Boils—Carbuncles. Scirrhus. Cancer......................................................................................82 CHAPTER IV. Fevers. Explanation of the term Fever. Irritative, Inflammatory. Torpid form of Fever. Common or Ephemeral Fever. General Inflammatory Fever. Nervous or Typhoid Fever. Typhus—Different forms of Typhus. Con- gestive Fever. Ship Fever. Relapsing Fever. Yellow Fever. Bilious Remittent Fever—Gastric Fever—Intermittent Fever—Fever and Ague— Chills and Fever—Febris Intermittens..........................................126 CHAPTER V. Affections of the Mind. Sudden Emotions. Hypochondria. Hysteria. Melancholia. Mania..159 CHAPTER VI. Affections of the Head. 1. Congestion or determination of Blood to the Head—Congestio ad Caput. 2. Vertigo. Giddiness or Dizziness. 3. Weakness of Memory. 4. Apoplexy. 5. Inflammation of the Brain—Inflammation of the Brain in Children. 6. Sunstroke. 7. Headache, a. Headache from Conges- tion of Blood to the Head. b. Headache from Catarrh and Cold in the Head. c. Headache from Rheumatism and Neuralgia, d. Headache from Constipation and Gastric Derangement, e. Headache from External Causes. Sick-headache. Nervous Headache—Neuralgia in the Head— Megrim. Falling off of the Hair—Allopecia.................................166 CHAPTER VII. Affections of the Eyes. General Remarks. 1. Inflammation of the Eyelid and its Margins. a. Inflammation and Swelling of the Eyelid, b. Inflammation of the viii TABLE OF CONTENTS. Margins of the Lids. 2. Inflammation of Eyeball — Ophthalmia. 3. Chronic Inflammation of the Eyes. a. From Gout and Rheumatism. b. From Scrofula, Scrofulous Sore Eyes. c. From Syphilis or Venereal Disease, d. From abuse of Mercury. 4. Sty on the Eyelid. 5. Ptery- gium — Wing-skin. 6. Weeping or Watery Eyes. 7. Cataract — Glau- coma. 8. Weakness of Sight—Amblyopia; Blindness—Sudden and In- cipient—Amaurosis. 9. Short-sightedness-«-Myopia. 10. Far-sightedness. 11. Squinting—Strabismus. 12. Falling of the Eyelids—Paralysis. 13. Foreign Substances in the Eye....................................................194 CHAPTER VIII. Affections of the Ears. 1. External Ear and its surrounding parts, a. Eruptions and Swelling of the External Ear. b. Mumps—Parotitis. 2. Internal Ear. a. Inflam- mation of the Ear—Otitis, b. Earache—Otalgia, c. Humming, Buzzing of the Ears. d. Hardness of Hearing—Deafness, e. Running of the Ears—Otorrhea. /. Polypus of the Ear. g. Foreign Substances in the Ear.......................................................................................207 CHAPTER IX. Affections of the Nose. 1. Inflammation or Swelling of the Nose. 2. Eruptions on the Nose- Itching of the Nose. a. Eruptions on the Nose. b. Itching of the Nose. 3. Bleeding of the Nose—Epistaxis. 4. Cold in the Head—Coryza—In- fluenza—Suppression of the Catarrh, or Cold in the Head. 5. Ulceration in the Nose—Catarrh—Ozsena Narium. a. Ozsena Narium—Catarrh. b. Ozsena Antri Highmori. 6. Polypus of the Nose. Cancer of the Nose. 7. Foreign Substances in the Nose.................................................218 CHAPTER X. Affections of the Face, Lips, and Jaws. 1. Inflammation and Swelling of the Face. o. Erysipelas of Face and Lips. b. Swelling of the Cheek. 2. Eruptions of the Face. 3. Face- ache—Neuralgia of the Face—Prosopalgia—Tic-douloureux. 4. Warts and Spots on the Face—Cancer of the Face. 5. Paralysis of the Face and Jaw. 6. Lockjaw....................................................... 990 CHAPTER XI. Affections of the Teeth, Gums, and Mouth. 1. Toothache—Odontalgia. 2. Caries of the Teeth. Carious Teeth 3. Offensive Breath. 4. Bad taste in the Mouth. 5. Inflammation and Swelling of the Tongue-Glossitis. 6. Canker of the Mouth—Stomacace TABLE OF CONTENTS. IX 7. Inflammation of the Palate. 8. Abscess in the Gums—Gum-boils— Swelling of the Jaw Bone. 9. Scurvy—Scorbutus. 10. Salivation— Ptyalism. 11. Paralysis of the Tongue. 12. Difficulty of Speech— Stammering. 13. Ranula, or Swelling under the Tongue............... 236 CHAPTER XII. Affections of the Throat. Sore Throat—Quinsy—Angina Faucium. a. Common Sore Throat. b. Ulcerated and Putrid Sore Throat—Malignant Quinsy—Angina Gan- grenosa. Inflammation and Swelling of the Tonsils — Amygdalitis. Diphtheria. Swelling or Elongation of the Palate. Falling of the Pal- ate...................................................................................... 256 CHAPTER XIII. Affections of the Windpipe and Chest, 1. Hoarseness—Raucitas—Aphonia, a. Acute Hoarseness, b. Chronic Hoarseness. 2. Ulceration of the Windpipe—Bronchitis. 3. Croup and Croupy Cough. 4. Influenza. 5. Cough—Hooping-Cough—Tussis Con- vulsiva. Inflammation of the Lungs—Pneumonia. Pneumonia in Old People—Pneumonia Notha. Remarks on Pneumonia. Pleurisy, a. Real Pleurisy, b. False Pleurisy—Stitch in the Side. Diseases of the Heart. a. Inflammation of the Heart. Carditis, b. Palpitation of the Heart. c. Rheumatism of the Heart. Congestion of the Chest—Plethora Pec- toris. Hemorrhage of the Lungs—Haemoptysis. Asthma. Asthma of Millar. Dropsy in the Chest—Hydrothorax. Pulmonary Consumption— Phthisis Pulmonalis. Contusion of the Chest by a Fall or Blow...... 274 CHAPTER XIV. Affections of the Stomach and Bowels. 1. Want of Appetite—Anorexia. 2. Morbid Appetite—Bulimy. 3. Dyspepsia—Weak Stomach. 4. Waterbrash—Heartburn—Indigestion- Flatulency—Sour Stomach—Pyrosis. 5. Biliousness—Gastric Derange- ment. Nausea—Vomiting. Sea-sickness—Spasms and Pain in the Stom- ach— Cardialgia—Neuralgia of the Stomach. Griping Colic—Enteralgia —Stomach-ache. Congestion and Stagnation of Blood in the Abdomen. Inflammation of the Diaphragm—Diaphragmitis. Abdominal Inflamma- tion. 1. Inflammation of the Stomach—Gastritis. 2. Inflammation of the Bowels—Enteritis. Congestion of the Liver. Inflammation of the Liver—Hepatitis. Jaundice. Icterus. Congestion of the Spleen. In- flammation of the Spleen—Splenitis. Worms. Diseases caused by the Presence of Worms. Trichina;. Constipation—Costiveness. Diarrhea— Looseness of the Bowels. Dysentery—Bloody Flux. Cholera Morbus. Asiatic Cholera—Cholera Asiatica. Tribute to the Memory of Hahne- X TABLE OF CONTENTS. mann. Cholerina. Piles—Hemorrhoids. Itching of the Anus. Pro- lapsus Ani. Rupture—Hernia. Dropsy of the Abdomen—Ascites. External Injuries of the Abdomen............................................. "•"' CHAPTER XV. Affections of the Urinary and Genital Organs. Inflammation of the Kidneys—Nephiitis. Acute Bright's Disease— Nephritis Crouposa. Renal Colic—Nephralgia. Inflammation of the Bladder—Cystitis. Strangury. Dysury. Ischury. Anury. Inconti- nence of Urine—Enuresis. Diabetes. Piles of the Bladder. Polypus of the Bladder. Gravel and Stone in the Bladder—Calculus. Hemor- rhage with the Urine—Hsematuria—Mictus Cruentus. Affections-of the Penis. Affections of the Testicles. Inflammation of the Testicles. Dropsy of the Scrotum—Hydrocele. Seminal Weakness—Onania. Eruptions of the Genital Organs. Syphilis. Gonorrhea, a. Syphilis— Chancre, b. Gonorrhea—Clap—Gleet........................................ 431 CHAPTER XVI. Diseases of Females. 1. Menstruation. First Menses Obstructed—Tardy Menstruation. Chlorosis—Green Disease. Suppression of the Menses. Painful Menstru- ation. Menstruation too Early. Menstruation too Late and too Scanty. Menstruation too Copious—Flooding. Menstruation of too Long Dura- tion. Critical Period. Cessation of the Menses—Change of Life. Pro- lapsus Uteri—Falling of the Womb. Leucorrhea—Fluor Albus—Whites. Deviation of Menses. Pregnancy—Signs—Progress—Exercise—Dress— Periods—Diseases. Morning Sickness — Pruritus'-— Itching — Varicose Veins. Spots on the Face. Plethora. Congestion. Fever. Hemor- rhages. Hemorrhoids—Piles. Swelling of the Feet. Toothache. Sali- vation. Derangement of Appetite. Diarrhea. Constipation. Dyspepsia —Heart-burn—Acid Stomach. Difficulty of Swallowing. Spasms. Colic ■—Strangury. Incontinence of Urine. Jaundice. Pain in the Right Side. Asthma. Vertigo. Neuralgia. Puerperal Convulsions. Miscarriage. Parturition. Regular Birth. Labor. Labor-pains. Cramps—Spasms. Child's Water. Delivery. After-birth. Flooding. After-pains. Con- finement. Lochia. Milk-fever. Qualities of the Milk. Suppression. Sore Nipples. Ague in the Breast. Gathered Breast. Childbed Fever. Milk Leg. Mania in Childbed. Nursing. Wet Nurse. Weaning. Sore Mouth. General Complaints. Irritable Uterus............................ 450 CHAPTER XVII. Treatment of Children. Apparent Death of a New-born Infant—Asphyxia. Diet of a New- born Infant. Colic—Crying of Infants. Elongation of the Head— TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI Snuffles—Obstructions of the Nose—Coryza. Swelling of the Breasts in Infants. Restlessness—Sleeplessness. Inflammation of the Eyes. Thrush, or Sore Mouth of Infants—Aphthae. Heat—Red Gum—Heat Spots. Ex- coriations—Rawness of the Skin. Jaundice. Erysipelas. Erysipelas of the Knee. Convulsions, or Spasms. Teething—Dentition. Constipation. Diarrhea. Fevers. Dropsy of the Brain—Hydrocephalus. Asthma- Choking Fits—Asthma Millari. Remittent Fever of Infants. Vaccina- tion. Cholera Infantum. Summer Complaint. Softening of the Stom- ach—Gastro-Malacia................................................................. °41 PART II. I. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY. Structure of the Human Organism. Elements of the Human Organ- ism. Anatomy of the Bones. Physiology of the Bones. The Muscles. The Teeth. Digestive Organs. The Urinary System. The Respiratory and Circulatory Organs. The Nervous System. The Skin............. 575 II. DOMESTIC SURGERY. Surgical Appliances, o. Poultices, b. Forfcentations. c. Plasters, d. Rollers and Bandages, e. Splints. Accidents. Fractures of Bones—of Nose—Lower Jaw—Collar Bone —Ribs—Arm—Fingers, Thigh, Leg, Foot, and Toes. Compound Fractures. Dislocation—of the Jaw—Neck —Shoulder—Wrist—Ankle....................................................... 610 III. HYGIENE AND HYDROPATHY. Hygiene. Hygiene. Food and Drink. Sleep. Air and Exercise. Clothing and Occupation............................».................................................. uo-1 Hydropathy. Diseases in which to apply it. Different Modes of applying the Cold Water. 1. Ablutions. 2. Shower-baths. 3. Partial or Half-baths. 4. Full-baths. 5. General Plunging-baths. 6. Local-baths. 7. Head- baths. 8. Sitting-baths—Sitz-baths. 9. Foot-baths. 10. The Drop-bath. 11. The Douche. Local Applications (Umschllige). Wet Bandages. 13. Applications round one-half of the Body—Wet Linen Sheets. 14. Sweating.................................. IV. MATERIA MEDICA Glossary.......................... Index............................... 675 720 729 LIST OF MEDICINES. THEIR SYNONYMS AND ANTIDOTES. 1. Aconite. Aconitum Napellus (plant). Antidotes—Camphor, Nux vom., Wine, Vinegar. 2. jEsculus Hippocastanum (plant). Antidotes—Nux vom., Hydrast., Podophyl. 3. Antimonium Crud. Antimony (mineral). Antidotes—Heparsulph., Mercury, Pulsatilla. 4. Apis Mellifica. Poison of honey-bee. Antidotes—Ars., Canth. 5. Argentum Nitricum (mineral). 6. Arnica. Arnica montana (plant). Antidotes—Camphor, Ignatia, Ipecac. 7. Arsenic. Arsenicum album (mineral). Antidotes—For poisoning witli it: rust of iron. For its dynamic effects: China, Hepar sulph., Ipecac, Nux vom., Veratrum. 8. Aurum. Aurum metallicum. Gold. (Metal.) Antidotes—Bella- donna, China, Cuprum, Mercury. 9. Baptisia Tinctoria (plant). Antidotes—Phos. acid, China. 10. Belladonna. Deadly nightshade (plant). Antidotes—Coffea, Hy- oscyamus, Hepar sulph., Pulsatilla. 11. Belladonna00. Is the two hundredth potency of Belladonna. 12. Bryonia. Bryonia alba (plant). Antidotes—Aconite, Chamomile, Ignatia, Nux vomica. 13. Cactus Grandiflor. (plant). Antidotes—Lachesis, Spigelia, Ver- atrum. 14. Calcarea Carbonica. Carbonate of lime. Antidotes—Camphor, Nitric acid, Sulphur. 15. Cantharis. Spanish fly (animal). Antidote—Camphor. 16. Carbo veg. Carbo vegetabilis. Wood charcoal. Antidotes—Arsenic Camphor, Lachesis.. 17. Causticum. Caustic of the alkalies. Antidotes—Coffea, Colocynth Nux vomica. 18. Chamomile. Chamomilla (plant). Antidotes — Aconite Cocculus Coffea, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. 19. Chelidonium. (Majus.) Great Celandoine (veget.). Antidote__ Camphor. (xii) LIST OF MEDICINES. xiii 20. China. Cinchona. Peruvian bark (vegetable). Antidotes—Arnica, Arsenic, Belladonna, Calcarea carb., Carbo veg., Ipecac, Pulsat., Sulph. 21. Cimicifuga Racemosa (plant). Antidotes—Aconite, Bryonia, Gel- seminum. 22. Cina. Worm-seed (vegetable). Antidotes—Ipecac, Veratrum. 23. Cocculus. Indian berries. Coccle (vegetable). Antidotes — Cam- phor, Nux vomica. 24. Coffea. Coffee berries (vegetable). Antidotes—Aconite, Chamo- mile, Nux vomica. 25. Colchicum. Meadow Saffron (plant). Antidotes—Nux vomica, Coc- culus, Pulsatilla. 26. Colocynthis. Colocynth (vegetable). Antidotes—Camphor, Caus- ticum, Coffea, Chamomile. 27. Conium. Hemlock (vegetable). Antidotes—Coffea, Spiritus Nitri. dul. 28. Crocus. Saffron (vegetable). Antidote—Opium. 29. Cuprum. Cuprum metallicum. Copper (metal). Antidotes—Bella- donna, China, Ipecac, Mercury, Nux vomica. 30. Drosera. Round-leaved Sun Dew (vegetable). Antidote—Camphor. 31. Dulcamara. Bitter Sweet. Woody nightshade (plant). Antidotes —Camphor, Ipecac, Mercurius. 32. Euphrasia. Eye Bright (plant). Antidote—Pulsatilla. 33. Ferrum. Ferrum metallicum. Iron (metal). Antidotes—Arnica, Arsenic, Belladonna, Ipecac, Mercury, Pulsatilla. 34. Gelseminum Sempervirens (plant). Antidotes —Aconite, Bellad., Opium. 35. Graphites. Plumbago. Pure Black Lead (metal). Antidotes- Arsenic, Nux vomica, Wine. 36. Hamamelis Virginica (plant). Antidotes Arnica, Pulsatilla. 37. Helleborus (niger). Black Hellebore (plant). Antidotes—Cam- phor, China. 38. Hepar Sulphuris. Sulphuret of Lime. Antidotes—Vinegar, Bellad. 39. Hydrastis Canadensis (plant). Antidotes—China, Kali hydriod., Nitric acid. 40. Hyoscyamus (NIGER). Henbane (plant). Antidotes—Belladonna, Camphor, China. 41. Ignatia. St. Ignatius' Bean (vegetable). Antidotes—Pulsatilla, Chamomile, Cocculus, Arnica, Camphor, Vinegar. 42. Ipecac. Ipecacuanha (vegetable). Antidotes — Arnica, Arsenic, China. 43. Jalapa. Jalap (vegetable). Antidote—Camphor. 44 Kali Hydriodicum. Hydriodate of Potassa (mineral). 45] Lachesis. Poison of the Lance-headed Serpent (animal). Antidotes —Arsenic, Belladonna, Nux vomica, Rhus tox. XIV LIST OF MEDICINES. 46. Lycopodium. Club Moss. Wolf's Claw (vegetable). Antidote* ■ Camphor, Pulsatilla. 47. Mercurius- (vivus). Quicksilver (mineral). Antidotes—Arnica, Belladonna, Camphor, Hepar sulph., Iodine, Lachesis, Sulphur. 48. Mercur. Sublimat. Corrosive Sublimat (mineral). Antidotes— Belladonna, Nitric acid, Camphor. 49. Muriatic acid. Acidum muriatic (mineral). Antidotes—Camphor, Bryonia.- 50. Natrum muriaticum. Muriate of Soda (mineral). Antidotes— Arsenic, Camphor, Nitri spiritus. 51. Nitri acidum. Nitric acid (a mineral acid). Antidotes—Calcarea carb., Conium, Camphor, Hepar sulph., Sulphur. 52. Nux vomica. Nux vomica (vegetable). Antidotes—Aconite, Cam- phor, Coffea, Pulsatilla. 53. Opium. White poppy (vegetable). Antidotes—Camphor, Coffea, Calcarea carb., Hepar sulph., Sulphur. 54. Petroleum. Rock oil (mineral oil). Antidotes—Aconite, Nux vom- ica, Cocculus. 55. Phosphorus. Phosphor (mineral). Antidotes—Camphor, Coffea, Nux vomica. 56. Phosphori acidum. Phosphoric acid (a mineral acid). Antidotes— Camphor, Coffea. 57. Platina. (Metal.) Antidotes—Pulsatilla, Belladonna. 58. Podophyllum peltatum. Mandrake (plant). Antidotes—Arseni- cum, Pulsatilla, Veratrum alb. 59. Pulsatilla. Meadow Anemone (vegetable). Antidotes—Chamo- mile, Coffea, Ignatia, Nux vomica. 60. Rheum. Rhubarb (veget.). Antidotes—Camph., Cham., Nux vom. 61. Rhus toxicodendron. Rhus. Sumach. Poison Oak (vegetable). Antidotes—Belladonna, Bryonia, Camphor, Coffea, Sulphur. 62. Sambucus (niger). Alder (vegetable). Antidotes—Arsenic, Cam- phor. 63. Sanguinaria (Canadensis). Common Blood Root. 64. Secale (Cornutum). Ergot of Rye (vegetable). Antidotes—Cam- phor, Opium. 65. Sepia. Inky juice of the Cuttle-fish (animal). Antidotes—Aconite Spiritus nitri, Vinegar. 66. Silicea. Silicious Earth (mineral). Antidotes—Camphor, Hepar sulph. 67. Spigelia (anthelmintica). Indian Pink (vegetable). Antidotes — Camphor, Aurum. 68. Spongia. (Marina Tosta.) Burnt Sponge. Antidote—Camphor. 69 Stannum. Pure tin (metal). Antidotes—Coffea, Pulsatilla. 70 Staphysagria. Stavesacre (vegetable). Antidote—Camphor. LIST OF MEDICINES. XV 71. Stramonium. Thorn apple. Gympsum weed (vegetable). Anti- dotes—Belladonna, Nux vomica. 72. Sulphur (Mineral.) Antidotes —Aconite, Camphor, Mercury, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. 73. Sulphuric acid. Oil of Vitriol (a mineral acid). Antidote—Pulsat. 74. Tartar emetic (stibium). Tartarized Antimony (mineral). Anti- dotes—Cocculus, Ipecac, Pulsatilla. 75. Thuja (Occidentalis). Arbor Vitse Tree (vegetable). Antidotes— Camphor, Pulsatilla. 76. Veratrum (album). White Hellebore (vegetable). Antidotes— Ipecac, Arsenic, Camphor, Coffea, Aconite, China. TINCTURES. 1. Arnica, Tincture. 2. Calendula, Tincture. 3. Camphor (in pellets saturated with Tincture of Camphor). 4. Bebeerinum Sulphuric, (in first decimal trituration). Directions.—The use of the tinctures is specially referred to in the book whenever needed. Here we only mention their general application. Arnica for bruises, contusions, contused wounds, fractures of bones, stings of insects, corns, etc. Calendula for lacerated wounds. They are intended for external use only. In preparing them for this purpose, put from four to ten drops in a teacupful of pure water; mix well, and wash with it, or lay cloths, dipped in the mixture, on the parts affected. As to Camphor and Bebeerine, the directions for their use are given in the book, wherever their use is required. NOTICE TO HOMEOPATHIC PHARMACEUTISTS. It will be seen, by having reference to the List of Medicines, that one remedy only appears indicated there in two different potencies—viz., Bel- ladonna (lower potency), and Belladonnacc: This distinction should be strictly adhered to, as in the body of the work special reference is made to this fact. Yet another wish is here expressed, which, it is hoped, may be realized by the many Pharmaceutists who now serve the wants of the increased multitudes of Homoeopathic patrons in this country. Every Pharmaceutist should possess himself of a complete set of reliable higher potencies, to be able at once to supply the wants of the people, if , asked for. We can safely recommend, for this purpose, the following, from among those named in the List of Medicines, as designed to be contained in the boxes accompanying this book. List of Medicines to be furnished in the higher potencies, if so desired: Arsenic., Calcarea carb., Cantharis, Carbo veg., Causticum, Oina, Coffea, Colocynthis, Conium, Cuprum, Graphites, Ignatia, Jalapa, Kali hydriod., La- chesis, Lycopod., Mercur. sublima. corros., Natrum mur., Petrol., Phosphor., Platina, Sepia, Silicea, Stannum, Sulphur. These are about the most important of those, which show better results in higher than lower potencies. All the others may be furnished, as here- tofore, in the third and sixth potency. Special Notice for this Edition. Homoeopathic Pharmaceutists will please observe that, in the List of Medicines, several, contained in former editions, have been omitted while new ones have been introduced. (xvi) INTRODUCTION. To aid in the search for the proper place where a disease in this work may be found, its different popular names have always been given, and carefully recorded in the index. Should, however, the identification of a disease be difficult or doubtful, it is only necessary to refer, in the book, to the divisions made as to the parts of the system which are af- fected, such as "Affections of the Head, Chest," etc., where all the ailments of these parts are generally put together. But there will scarcely ever arise a difficulty in this respect; the index has been made very complete, in view of saving the reader time and unnecessary vexation. If a disease is found, it is expected that every thing will first be read which is said concerning it in the article, before a selection of a remedy is made; at the end of each article the proper direction as to administration, diet, and regimen, is given. Wherever the attention is directed to the perusal of the Materia Medica, in treating on certain remedies, the medicine in question must be looked for in the Materia Medica, and its symptoms carefully compared with those of the patient. If, in the directions for diet, the reader is advised to adhere to the usual homoeopathic diet in chronic diseases, etc., he will find its rules specified in the following pages, under "Dietetic Rules." It will be seen that, in the notice addressed to the Homoeo- pathic Pharmaceutists on the foregoing page, they were ex- pected to furnish such remedies as I named, in the higher potency, if the people desired them in that high attenuation. 2 (17) 18 INTRODUCTION. As a great many have, however, their medicine-chests yet filled with medicines of a lower potency, it was not deemed desirable to designate this change in the "List of Medicines" by adding the letters cc- to the names of such remedies as we would like to see used in that high degree. Each one can exercise his own judgment on the subject; and, if he wants to follow our advice, can ask of his Pharmaceutist these rem- edies in the higher potency: he will find them, in the course of his experience, very effective. As to our views on the preference of higher or lower at- tenuations, we would remark that we consider homceopathi- cally legitimate, and practically useful, all potencies, from the mother tincture and first trituration up to the highest dilution, but that we do not use one exclusively or all indiscriminately. Practical observation and theoretical researches have guided us in applying the various attenuations with real benefit. There are principles according to which the different poten- cies of a remedy should be applied in different cases. But to enlarge upon this subject here would carry us too far; we content ourselves by remarking that, for a domestic family- chest, we would propose, as a general rule, the third potency for all vegetable medicines, and the sixth potency for all mineral and animal medicines, departing only from this rule for a " Domestic Work," in those instances referred to in the "Notice to Homoeopathic Pharmaceutists." For a successful treatment of diseases, everything depends, after the selection of the right, or most homoeopathic remedy, on the genuineness of its preparation. We would, therefore advise our readers to procure their medicine-chests from per- sons whose competency or recommendations can be relied on; and, when in their possession, to take good care of them. The vials must not be opened, except when used; each vial must receive its own cork again, and no odorous medicinal substances must be allowed to be near by when a vial is opened or medicine is taken. If a remedy is prescribed to be taken in water, a clean cup or tumbler must be selected, the pre- INTRODUCTION. 19 scribed quantity of water—either rain or river water—poured in, then the medicine added, and, during its solution, well mixed with a clean teaspoon, and afterward covered well. If more medicines than one are prescribed at a time, in water, each one must be dissolved separately in a teacup, and each one receive its own separate teaspoon, which must not be changed during the administration of the medicine. If a vial is empty, it is indispensably necessary, before refilling it, to cleanse it first thoroughly with warm water, and dry it perfectly on a stove or in the sun, before the homoeopathic apothecary is allowed to fill it. Persons ought to attend to this scrupulously themselves, before presenting them for refilling; because much depends on it, as regards the genuineness of the medicines. The medicines should be kept in a dry place, where no odors can reach them. A renewal of their strength, if well kept, is not necessary for years; but, if the slightest doubt in this respect should arise, it is better to have it renewed. The dose of the medicine, and its proper repetition, need perhaps some further explanation, although at the end of almost every article the precise directions for both the dose, as well as its repetition, are given. In order that the reader may in this respect act more satisfactorily, because more in- telligently, even in cases where no special directions for dose or its repetition have been given, it is only necessary to briefly state the few leading principles governing these actions. At first it must be observed that Homoeopathy looks to quality more than to quantity. The latter can be present in excess, it is true; and then the excessive quantity of medicine be- comes rather a disturbing, morbific element, and requires to be antidoted. If quality or the right (homoeopathic) selec- tion of medicine is secured, its quantity is of little impor- tance. This is the reason why, throughout this book, a so- called minimum quantity of four pellets has been adopted : a larger quantity would have no better effect. Wherever the advice has been given to dissolve in water, etc., the 20 INTRODUCTION. number of pellets has been increased to twelve or twenty, which is ample to penetrate the whole three or four ounces of water which are contained in a teacup or tumbler. If the medicine-chests contain the remedies in liquid or tincture form, the general direction is to give one drop of such a tincture on a little sugar, or in a few drops of water, as a dose, in place of the four pellets generally required to be given, if the medicine is kept in a dry state. The lat- ter is decidedly to be preferred, as the medicine in dry pellets keeps effective forever, if not neglectfully handled, while medicines, in a liquid form, are apt to evaporate, even if well corked. Such an event may come at any time, and would endanger the usefulness of the domestic practice, as it leaves one powerless at the moment when help should immediately be had. The repetition of a dose is governed by the principle, to allow a homoeopathic medicine, if well chosen, time to fulfill its curative effect. This time must be computed in accordance with the acuteness of the disease and the severity of its symptoms. The more acute a dis- ease is, the oftener a remedy can be repeated. In Asiatic cholera, for instance, medicine may be repeated as often as every fifteen minutes, while in less acute, or even chronic cases, the remedies may not be repeated for hours,, or even days. It will be found, however, that the directions in this respect at the end of each article are ample and precise. DIETETIC RULES. The observance of a strict diet is essential to the success of a homoeopathic treatment, not so much on account of the injury done the system by the use of improper articles, but because they might be antidotal in their effects to the medicine. On this account, homoeopathists so generally forbid coffee, it being an antidote to most of their remedies. For the same reason, the use of all other things of a medic- inal nature is strictly forbidden, such as spices, perfumeries, perfumed waters, soda water, spiced ices, etc. It is a general law of nature, to eat and drink only that which can sustain life, without producing any other effects, that is, simple nutriment; and as medicinal and spicy sub- stances, although sometimes nutritious, are irritating and stimulating, the strict law of nature excludes them per- emptorily from the daily use (see " Hygiene "). Diet in Acute Diseases.—As dietetic rules are given for each acute disease, separately throughout the book, it is not necessary to mention them in this place. Diet in Chronic Diseases.—Consult the chapter on " Hy- giene" on this subject. There are certain principles which must guide us, during the treatment of chronic diseases, in selecting the articles of our diet, even from among those which are generally allowed. If the patient has symptoms of fever or irritation, in any part of the system, he must avoid all articles of a stimulating character, such as meats, eggs, and butter. In such cases, he should confine himself to a nutritious veg- etable diet, such as potatoes, turnips, rice, barley, etc. If (21) 22 DIETETIC RULES. the disease appears mostly in the digestive organs, as a chronic diarrhea, all articles of a relaxing nature are in themselves injurious, such as fruits and other green veg- etables, soups of meat, eggs, etc. In cases where constipa- tion is present, the opposite course must be pursued. Another consideration is, that articles of food which disagree with the patient, although allowed or wholesome for others under similar circumstances, must be strictly avoided by him. Aliments Allowed. Beef and Mutton baked, roasted, or boiled, fresh or smoked Tongue, lean Ham. Venison and wild Fowl. Turkeys, Chickens, Pigeons. Fresh scale Fish, Oysters. Butter which is not rancid, mild new Cheese, raw or soft boiled Eggs, or eggs in Soups (except in cases of Diarrhea). Meat Soups, Broths, seasoned with salt only. All kinds of light Bread and Biscuit (except Soda-Biscuit and other Bread made with the addition of unusual sub- stances). Puddings, Dumplings or Noodles of Wheat, Indian-Riee- and Oat-meal, not too heavy, fat, nor spiced. Cakes composed of Meal, Eggs, Butter in small quantity, and Sugar. Food prepared of Arrowroot, Tapioca, Farina, Sago, Salop, Oat-meal and the like. Irish Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Caruots, Toma- toes, Cauliflower, Spinach and green Peas, or Beans (except in Colic and Diarrhea), Rice, Hominy, Pearl Barley, dried Peas, or Beans. Roasted or boiled, fresh or dried Fruit, as Prunes, dried Currants, fresh, ripe, sweet Apples, Peaches, Strawberries, Raspberries, Gooseberries, and other sweet -berries, and Grapes (except in Colic and Diarrhea). DIETETIC RULES. 23 Water, pure, or sweetened with Sugar, Currant Jelly, Raspberry, or Strawberry Syrup, Toast-water. Milk, in its different preparations, boiled Milk, fresh Whey, Buttermilk. Decoctions of Barley, Malt, Oat-meal, Farina, Corn-starch, Rice, dried Fruit. Cocoa boiled with Milk or Water, pure, plain Chocolate, weak black Tea. Salt moderately used, Sugar. Ice-creams flavored with Strawberry or Lemons. Aliments Forbidden. Old smoked, salted Meat and salted Fish, old rancid Butter and Cheese, Lard, fat Pork, Geese, Ducks, Turtles and Terrapins, Fish not having scales, as Catfish, Eels, Lobsters, Crabs, Clams, and Soups, prepared from these articles of food. All food prepared with Blood, and much animal fat. All kinds of Sausages, particularly such as are smoked. The flesh of all young animals. All Soups highly seasoned, Sauces, different kinds of Hash, drawn Butter, Pepperpot. All kinds of Cakes, or Pastry, prepared with much Fat or Aromatics, Honey. All kinds of colored Sugar-work prepared by the confectioner, red Sugar, sugared Almonds, or Peach-kernels. Nuts of all kinds. Radishes, Celery, Horse-radish, Garlic, Parsley, Red or Cayenne Pepper, Mustard, Saffron, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Laurel leaves, bitter Almonds, Cloves, Cinnamon, Allspice, Corian- der, Fennel, Anise, Coffee, green Tea, spiced Chocolate. All kinds of spir.itous liquors, Brandy, Rum, Whisky, Gin, Spirits, etc. Liquors, or Cordials, and other drinks, cold or warm, which are prepared with spiritous liquors, or spices. All artificial and natural Mineral Waters, Mead, Spruce Beer, Soda Beer, Porter, Ale. N. B. During the homoeopathic treatment especial care should be taken by the patient to avoid allopathic medicine 24 DIETETIC rules. of every description and form, pills, herb-teas, etc., in- ternally and externally; particularly all salves, aromatic waters, hartshorn, smelling bottles, etc.; also, all perfumery, musk, cologne water, or other aromatic substances, tooth- powders containing such ingredients, etc.; especially be careful in using matches, not to inhale the vapor of the burning sulphur; matches must be lit only where the vapor can easily escape, in a fire-place or open hall. Moderate exercise in the open air, as, also, a careful observance of all other hygienic rules (see the article on Hygiene), is strongly recommended. PART FIRST. DESCRIPTION AND TREATMENT 0 P DISEASES. CHAPTER I. GENERAL DISEASES. Remarks. In this chapter we intend to treat of those diseases which do not attack a single organ, or set of organs, but whose cause has such a general relation to all the organs and tis- sues of the system, that it can influence them either singly or simultaneously, according to the nature of the attack. In separating this class of diseases, we have facilitated the grouping of other diseases, having a more local character, under their respective organs; and thus the non-profes- sional reader is enabled immediately to find the desired ref- erence by turning to the description of diseases peculiar to the organ affected at that time. It is evident that such a classification of diseases is of the greatest advantage in a treatise on Domestic Practice. Rheumatism, therefore, affecting the system so generally, had to have its place under the head of "General Diseases" while the different catarrhal affections could be more con- veniently arranged under the organs subject to their attack. Although fever is almost always present in rheumatic as well as catarrhal attacks, its presence is not an essential attribute of these diseases; but indicates only a higher and more important degree. The essential fevers, consequently, such as Typhus, etc., as also those called eruptive fevers, are treated of in separate chapters, where the reader will easily find them. (27) ' 28 general diseases. Rheumatism. As to its general appearance, this disease is well known*; it is, however, not so well understood as to its nature, although its exciting cause is generally admitted to be a sudden sup- pression of the function of the skin. As this is, however, the case also in all catarrhal affections, those who classify them together and separate them only as to their different location, might be justified to do so. For practical purposes it is sufficient to know that rheumatism attacks muscles, lig- aments, and serous membranes, while catarrhs affect only mu- cous membranes, especially those of the throat, nose, etc. Diagnosis.—Pains in the muscles and membranes, to- gether with swelling of the surrounding cellular tissue, light redness and heat; caused by having taken cold. This isHhe general appearance of all rheumatic affections; yet their degrees and complications are so numerous, that it would almost require a separate treatise to do justice to such an extensive subject. We confine ourselves, here, to the more practical subdivision of acute and chronic rheuma- tism. Beside, we would remark that rheumatism, particularly in the acute form, can exist in any part of the system, creating there such an inflammation as the affected organ is naturally disposed to, adding to it only its own rheumatic character. For instance: a patient is attacked with rheumatism in the arms or limbs; this at once leaves those muscles and falls on the pleura, where it generates a pleurisy, not of the usual kind, but one which has the rheumatic character—a rheu- matic pleurisy. In the same manner we speak of rheumatic headache, rheumatic inflammation of the eye, heart, etc. The best means to detect the rheumatic character in cases of this kind, is to investigate whether the disease, in its acute form, has appeared after taking cold, by suppressing or dis- turbing the action of the skin, or, whether, in its chronic type, the changes of the atmosphere influences its severity. acute or inflammatory rheumatism. 29 In such cases, we refer the reader to the respective chapters, where the diseases of these organs are specially treated. There exists an intrinsic difference between rheumatism and gout. (See this article.). To prevent attacks of rheumatism and annihilate within us the predisposition to it, we must avoid all sudden changes of temperature and all excesses which can create local and gen- eral debility. We ought to strengthen the system against injurious external influences, by cold washing and bathing, by acquiring regular habits, and following the rules as laid down in the chapter on " Hygiene." a. Acute or Inflammatory Rheumatism. This form of rheumatism especially develops itself after taking cold, or after any check of perspiration, sudden and severe enough to unfit the whole skin for its proper func- tion of exhaling the imperceptible gases. First, an uncom- fortable sensation and restlessness will appear, followed by chilliness and feverishness in alternation, thirst, constipation, and accelerated pulse; then the rheumatic pains appear in places where they either fix themselves, creating swelling, heat, and redness, or wander to other parts, where they re- peat the same process, while those first attacked subside grad- ually and get better. In acute rheumatism, we sometimes find a dry skin; at other times a very moist one, drenched with a watery perspiration, which does not relieve the patient. The perspiration, which will relieve the patient, is greasy, thick, glutinous, and smells acrid or sour. Treatment.—Aconite—In the beginning, when the fever is high, the skin dry and hot, with excessive thirst and red- ness of the cheeks, palpitation of the heart; shooting or tear- ing pains in the parts affected, worse at night and sensitive to the touch, extreme irritability of temper. If this remedy, after having been applied for eight or ten hours, has mitigated the fever by producing general perspira- tion, yet the local pains remain in the muscles and joints, give, 30 general diseases. Bryonia, in the same manner, when the pains are worse by motion or at night, when there is headache, fever, swelling of the joints, and gastric derangement, with constipation. Alter- nates well with Aconite or Rhus. (See this remedy.) Belladonna, when Bryonia does not relieve, or when the parts are much swollen, very red, shining, and the patient is sleepless at night, complaining of dryness in the mouth and throat, and congestion to the head. Both remedies may be given in alternation with advantage. Chamomile, when, in the parts affected, there is a sensa- tion of numbness or paralysis, worse at night, the patient is feverish, restless, agitated, irritable, trying to relieve himself by turning in the bed; the pains often ascend into the head, ears, and teeth, with chilliness and a bruised sensation after sleep. Arnica: Bruised or sprained sensation in the joints of the hands, feet, and in the small of the back, with hard, red, and shining swelling; feeling of numbness and crawling in the affected parts; the pains are aggravated by motion; the pa- tient is thirsty and irritable (alternates well with Rhus). Nux vomica, in alternation with Chamomile, when the parts are numb, cold air aggravates, temper is irritable, bowels constipated. The pains are principally located between the shoulder blades, in the small of the back, and in the loins. Pulsatilla—The same feeling of numbness and paralysis, but relieved by exposure to cool air, the patient wants to be uncovered, and is of a mild temper and whining mood, worse in the night; the pains have a great tendency to change places. (Shifting or wandering rheumatism.) Mercury—pains increased in the heat of the bed, or toward morning; also, when the patient perspires profusely without being relieved by it. Lachesis suits well after Mercury. Dulcamara—in an attack of rheumatism which immedi- ately follows a severe exposure to cold; the pains set in at night, are worse during repose, with but little fever. Cimicifuga—especially if the rheumatism attacks the lower ACUTE OR INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM. 31 extremities; pain is worse on motion, and parts affected much swollen. Rhus—principal indication for its use is : pains worse dur- ing rest, or as if the flesh was torn from the bones; worse in cold, damp weather. This remedy, when the latter symptoms are present, alternates well with Bryonia. (See Bilious Rheu- matic Affection.) It is, also, of grea-t use when there is paralytic weakness, or trembling of the extremities on moving them. N. B. See also the remedies mentioned under "Chronic Rheumatism and Gout," this being a similar affection. If the pains in the limbs should suddenly cease, followed soon by difficulty of breathing, anxiety, weakness, or pains in the region of the heart, with violent palpitation, give Aconite, Belladonna, Spigelia, Pulsatilla, Arsenicum, or La- chesis, as their detailed symptoms under "Rheumatism of the Heart" will indicate. Administration.—Dissolve twelve globules of the se- lected remedy in half a teacupful of water, and give every two hours a teaspoonful; discontinue after four teaspoonfuls have been given, for eight or twelve hours, during which time the effect must be observed before another remedy is selected. As soon as the patient is better, all medicine must be stopped, until he gets much worse again, when another remedy should be chosen. Application of Water.—In this disease the external and internal use of water greatly assists to accelerate the cure, not impeding in the least the specific action of the rightly chosen homoeopathic remedy. If the parts affected are very painful, cold bandages may be applied, well wrung out and changed frequently; during this time the patient keeps in bed, well covered, drinking water which is not very cold. If perspi- ration ensues, the patient may be kept in it from one to two hours, after which he is well washed off with a wet towel and rubbed dry; he must then, however, take a sitting-bath in milk-warm water, in which he remains until he is perfectly 32 GENERAL DISEASES. cooled off. These simple appliances, repeated as often as circumstances may require, are powerful accessories to the success of specific remedies. If the patient suffers from con- stipation, give him cold water injections and let him drink cold water freely. It may be wrell here to give a case treated by us in the above manner, to show the superior efficacy of a united Ho- moeopathic and Hydropathic treatment in this disease. The patient, a strong, robust man, of about forty years of age, had been attacked with inflammatory rheumatism, and treated allopathically for three weeks without any benefit. When we first saw him, the patient suffered from severe pains in almost all of his joints, which were swollen, red, and stiff. He had no rest by night or day, continual fever, coated tongue, diarrhea, and profuse night sweats. His decline in every respect was evident, and he himself well aware of this circumstance. His symptoms indicated the use ofpulsatilla, which he received; at the same time the cold water compress was applied to the painful and swollen joints. The pains in the latter ceased almost at once, and the first comfortable night since the disease had commenced was the happy conse- quence. In the course of the treatment this procedure was repeated as often as other joints would swell and become painful. After pulsatilla, he received china, arnica, bryonia, and rhus, as the symptoms would indicate; finally petroleum to relieve the stiffness of the joints, which was the last re- maining symptom. During all this time, the external use ol the cold bandages was persevered in, when found necessary, and every time with the greatest relief to the patient. The cure of this bad and unpromising case was completed in little more than a fortnight. Here was evidently a decided favor- able result gained by comparatively small means. The whole hydropathic apparatus for such cases was not required because the specific means sued were sufficient to supplant its use. No wet sheet, no general bath, or douche, was applied—in short, nothing which could have interfered with the comfort CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. 33 of the patient. To cause a general favorable reaction of the system specific medication was found sufficient, but in assist- ing it for this purpose, the application of the wet compress on the parts affected fulfilled our most sanguine expectations. Diet and Regimen.—As regards nourishment, the pa- tient must absolutely abstain from all meat, or soups of meat, even long after the convalescence. He can have, however, gruels of farinaceous substances, oat-meal, farina, rice, etc., toast-water, and cold water; during the fever, warm or cold lemonade, and oranges. Cover the patient well with blan- kets, as many as his comfort dictates. Around the swollen joints and other parts affected, breast or neck, put wool just from the sheep, or, at least, unwashed; this is necessary, however, only in case the patient can not bear the hydro- pathic applications. This has frequently a very good effect. If possible, consult a homoeopathic physician. b. Chronic Rheumatism, or commonly called Rheuma- tism. If a person is severely troubled by chronic rheumatism, let him at once apply to a homoeopathic physician, who will give him relief, if it is at all in the power of medicine to do so. But frequently the reactive force of nature is already so much weakened, that it first requires to be strengthened, which can only be done by a systematic hydropathic treat- ment. However, in case of rheumatism, where the system is yet strong, the medicines, as detailed below, may be used, and will be found efficacious in a majority of them. Beside the remedies recorded under "Acute Rheumatism," which may also be used for chronic rheumatism, the following are the principal ones: Ignatia, Thuja, Arnica, Dulcamara, China, Veratrum, Arsenic, Phosphorus, Caustic, Sulphur, Sepia. Symptomatic Detail.—Ignatia: Contusive pains, or as if the flesh was detached from the bones; worse at night, ameliorated by change of posture. 34 GENERAL DISEASES. Thuja: Tearing,pulsative pains, as from ulceration under the skin, with a feeling of coldness and torpor of the parts affected; pains worse during repose, or in the warmth of the bed; pain in the right shoulder and arm, better on movement. Arnica: Pains as if the parts were strained or bruised, with a feeling as if they were resting on too hard a surface; a tingling in the hand; red and shining swelling; worse when attempting to move. (Suitable before or after China, Arsenic, Rhus.) Dulcamara: Pains after getting cold and wet; worse at night during repose, and without much fever. China: Pains, worse on the slightest touch, with easy per- spiration, the sore parts feel very weak, almost paralyzed. Vcratrum: Pains as if from a bruise; worse by warmth and bad weather; better by walking; very weak, and trem- bling. Arsenic: Burning, tearing pains, insupportable at night, worse by cold air, and mitigated by external heat. Phosphorus: Tearing and drawing pains, excited by the slightest chill; headache, vertigo, and oppression of the ches . Caustic.: The pains are insupportable in the open air ; less severe in a room or in bed; also, when there is paralytic weakness with rigidity and incurvation of the parts affected. Sulphur: In almost all cases of chronic, and after a spell of inflammatory rheumatism, when the pains yet linger about. Often after Aconite, Belladonna, Bryonia, Mercury, or Pul- satilla. Sepia: For rheumatic affections in tall, slender persons, especially females. Application of Water.—The use of the wet bandage is, in macv cases of this disease, most grateful and advan- tageous ; it relieves pain and subdues inflammation, dissolves obstructions, and accelerates the circulation in the parts af- fected. The application of the douche, or of ice and snow is rather dangerous, and must not be undertaken without the rheumatic pains or cold—GOUT. 35 advice of a physician who is conversant in Hydropathy; the same may be said of the use of the partial baths applied to the affected parts, as the reaction following their use might increase the inflammation. The dry packing, to excite per- spiration, with the following washing or ablution, is good in some cases, particularly where the pains are wandering, but must in a great many cases be dispensed with, as its frequent repetition would exhaust the system too much. The free use of cold water, internally, is strongly recommended. Administration.—In chronic rheumatism, the remedies ought not to be repeated often; every three or four days, one dose (four to six glob.) is enough. After a remedy has been tried for ten or fourteen days, another may be chosen, if no improvement has appeared. Diet and Regimen.—The patient must abstain, during the treatment, from all meats, at least, as much as possible; must not expose himself to the changes of the weather, and should wear, on his skin, flannel underclothes, except while using hydropathy; in which case, he can do without them. Rheumatic Pains or Cold. (In Chest, Stomach, Limbs, etc.) These pains appear in different parts of the body, after taking cold, in persons naturally inclined to rheumatic affec- tions. If they manifest themselves in the chest, they resem- ble a pleurisy, for which the same remedies will be suitable; if they appear in the stomach and bowels, they resemble a colic; to which article we refer the reader for the suitable remedies; if the pains are in the head, ears, or teeth, see these headings. In every case of this kind, the patient must be kept warm, and should perspire. Gout. (Arthritis.) Diagnosis.—The symptoms of this disease are very sim- ilar to those of inflammatory rheumatism; consequently, the 36 general diseases. remedies will be almost the same. It is characterized by paina in the joints, with inflammatory swelling, and a feeling of dis- location ; or, in chronic cases, with a swelling of the joints, caused by deposits in them of a calcareous substance, which impedes their movements and causes them to make a crack- ing noise. There is always connected with an attack of gout, flatulency, acid stomach, and other derangements of the diges- tive organs. The principal differences between rheumatism and gout are: rheumatism attacks more the muscles and membranes—gout, more the joints; rheumatism is hardly ever complicated with derangement of the digestive organs; gout is never without that—has, beside, permanent swelling of the joints, by calcareous deposit, which rheumatism never has. Rheumatism is caused by taking cold; consequently, depends on external causes; while gout is generated by in- ternal causes, depending mostly on hereditary predisposition. Both diseases, however, can intermingle with each other, one taking the form of the other. We distinguish an acute and chronic form of gout; recom- mending for both the same remedies, as heretofore stated under the two forms of rheumatism. We would add only one more remedy to this list; it is Antimon. crud., when the attack is attended with nausea and a white-coated tongue; pains are worse after eating, in the night, after drinking wine, and in the heat of the sun; mitigated during repose, and in the cool air. To make the selection of remedies easier, we will give a tabular view of them, in the different gouty complaints. Their details will be found under " Rheumatism." For inflammatory gout: Aconite, Antimon. crud., Bryonia, China, Nux vomica, Arsenic, Pulsatilla, Arnica. For the same, with gastric derangement: Antimon. crud. For the shifting, wandering, flying, gout: Pulsatilla, Arnica, Nux vomica, Cimicifuga. For gout with great swelling: Antimon. crud., Arnica, Bryonia, Rhus, China, Sulphur. pains in the small of the back, etc. 37 For the gouty nodes and lumps: Antimon. crud., Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Graphites, Lycopodium, Phospho- rus, Sepia. For gout in persons addicted to spiritous liquors: Nux vom- ica, Aconite, Sulphur, Calcarea For gout in persons called high livers: Pulsatilla, China, Antimon. crud., Sulphur, Calcarea. For those who sometimes work in the water: Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Calcarea, Dulcamara, Rhus, Sarsaparilla. For gout confined to the big toe (Podagra): Pulsatilla, Arnica. For the stiffness of the limbs, which remains after an attack of gout or rheumatism, give Colocynth, Petrol. Administration, Diet, and Regimen, the same as in "Rheumatism." Pains in the Small of the Back, Loins, and Neck. Notalgia. Lumbago. Diagnosis.—Violent pain in the region of the small of the back and loins, more or less permanent, sometimes peri- odical, but mostly excited by seemingly external causes. This species' of lumbago (back and loin-ache) occurs, fre- quently, after any quick motion of the back, as in rising from a stooping position. The patient is suddenly seized with a violent pain as if produced from an arrow shot into the part; it pins him, as it were, into a fixed attitude, from which he can not stir without suffering torture, and forces him to keep quiet. If such a rheumatic pain suddenly affects the muscles of the neck, forcing the patient to keep very quiet, commonly called Kink or Crick in the neck, it has the same origin, and requires the same treatment, as lumbago. Rubbing the neck, in the beginning, with a soft warm hand untiringly for half an hour, frequently cures it effectually. Although this disease is essentially rheumatic in its char- acter and process, yet its foundation is constitutional; some- 38 GENERAL DISEASES. times a predisposition is acquired by overstraining the muscular system by hard labor during exposure to wet and cold, or when there is a disposition to hemorrhoidal conges- tion of blood (piles) to these parts, which may sometimes increase to a real inflammation of the spine, the spinal marrow (myelitis), or go over, if not cured, into a chronic spinal affection. Treatment.—Aconite is the principal remedy in the commencement, and does more to relieve the patient at once, than the lancet can accomplish, which the old school always applies in such cases. This remedy can also be used externally in the tincture of the root of aconite, a few drops of it every hour or two hours until better. Arnica., alternately with Rhus,A£ this disease is really the result of falling, overlifting, or any other mechanical injury. Hamamel., internally, if the parts feel very sore; exter- nally it is of great service, applied twice or three times a day. Bryonia, if the pains in the back are pressing; the patient can not walk erect; worse after the slightest motion, or cur- rent of cold air; patient feels chilly; head and limbs ache. Rhus, in alternation with Bryonia, if the patient feels very weak, trembling, has to get up sometimes to ease himself; throws himself about in the night. After external injury, see Arnica. Bellad., after Aconite and Bryonia, under similar svmp- toms, but more suitable for fleshy females during the critical period (change of life); in alternation with Rhus, when the feverishness attending the attack is complicated with restless- ness, dryness of mouth and throat, headache. Nux vomica, if the parts feel as if tired, or very much fatigued, during the attack: pains are worse by motion and turning in bed; constipation, irritability of temper. Suitable for persons with a disposition to piles, or addicted to spir- itous liquors. Ignatia: Pressing pains between the shoulders, down the PAIN IN THE HIP — HIP DISEASE. 39 spine, as if the joints in the spinal column were dislocated; she must continually change her position; if she does not, hysterical spasms threaten. Mercury, in alternation with Nux vomica, if catarrhalic diseases, influenza, etc., prevail, or a tendency to dysentery; or if the patient feels very weak, perspires a great deal with- out relief, worse at night. Pulsatilla: Resembling the pains under Nux vomica, but caused by obstructions or irregularity of the courses (menses) in younger females of a mild, sensitive, or phlegmatic character. Application of Water.—The use of the wet bandage and cold foot-baths will accelerate the cure of these diseases; in their chronic forms, where the nervous system has suffered much, sitting-baths, cold ablutions, and finally the douche will be necessary. Constipation is relieved by cold injections and drinking freely of cold water. » Administration.—Same as in " Rheumatism." Diet and Regimen.—Also the same. We would advise those afflicted with this disease, to lie down immediately on a mattress, or something similar, and not attempt to brave it out, as the phrase is; because the medicine will not be able to cure as quickly, and chronic weakness of the back remains, together with a liability to a return of the disease. Pain in the Hip. Hip Disease. Sciatica. Coxalgia. Coxagra. Diagnosis.—Pain in the region of the hip joint, extend- ing to the knee, even to the foot, accurately following the course of the sciatic nerve. Its continual severity may im- pede the motion of the foot, producing stiffness and contrac- tion, disturbing the rest at night, and thereby inducing general uneasiness and emaciation. In sciatica, or pain in the hip, the pain manifests itself only on the outside of the hip and leg, during repose as well as during motion, showing its neuralgic character; while, in cox- 40 general diseases. agra (morbus coxarius), the pain appears only during motion and in stepping, showing its inflammatory character; running in front to the knee, producing a swelling and lengthening of the leg. It can terminate in suppuration (white swelling). These diseases are of great importance, and ought not to be neglected, but immediately put under the care of a skillful homoeopathic physician, as scrofula is either their remote cause, or excited by them, especially in children, in whom they often occasion the so-called spontaneous limping (coxalgia infantilis) and white swelling, particularly when badly treated at first by allopathic remedies. Treatment.—The principal remedies in these diseases are those already enumerated under the headings of " Rheuma- tism " and " Gout." We will give them here again, to facil- itate the selection : In sciatica (ischias): Chamomile, Bryonia, Rhus, Arsenic, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. In coxagra (hip disease): Colocynth, Belladonna, Hepar, Lachesis, Silicea, Mercury, Sulphur. In spontaneous limping: Mercury and Belladonna in alter- nation; every few days, a dose: Rhus, Colocynth, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Calcarea. Symptomatic Detail.—Aconite, in alternation with Bel- ladonna or Bryonia, where the attack is accompanied with a great deal of fever. Belladonna, in the inflammatory stage (see Aconite), when the pain is increased on the slightest movement, with limp- ing, and on the parts affected the skin is red and shining; dryness of the throat; burning fever. After it, Mercury. Bryonia, under similar symptoms as Belladonna, but par- ticularly where the parts affected are more painful than red; constipation. After it, Rhus. Rhus: Darting, tearing,or dragging pains in the hip-joint, with tension and stiffness in the muscles; worse during re- pose, or when rising from a sitting posture. Chamomile: Pains worse at night in bed, after having re- PAIN IN THE HIP — HIP DISEASE. 41 cently taken cold; patient is irritable; does not know what he wants. Mercury: Sharp, cutting, burning pains; worse at night, cr during movement; profuse perspiration without relief. After Belladonna; before Hepar. Ignatia: Cutting pains, ameliorated by change of position, temperament mild, yet vascillating between high and low spirits. Pulsatilla: Pains worse in the evening or night, and when seated; relieved in the open air; temperament phleg- matic ; mild disposition. Nux vomica: Pains worse in the morning; worse in the open air; temperament irritable, morose; constipation. Arsenic: Burning pains, with great restlessness, obliging the patient to move the limb; pains appear periodically, or in spells (alternate with China); mitigated by external heat: patient wants to lie down, feels very weak; emaciation of the limb after long suffering (in alternation with Silicea). Colocynth. This is the first and principal medicine in hip diseases, acute or chronic, particularly when there is the sen- sation of a tight band around the hips and back, and the pains run down from the region of the kidneys into the leg ; spontaneous limping; pains are worse lying on the back, or after a fit of anger or indignation. Hepar after Mercury, when this has not relieved. Silicea, when the disease assumes the chronic form, after Hepar; or, where emaciation has taken place, in alternation with Arsenic, and, afterward, with Iodine. Sulphur, in chronic cases, where other remedies have not entirely relieved. Lachesis: Emaciation, with tearing and contracting pain in the joint; dread of exercise; deeply penetrating suppura- tions (in alternation with Silicea). Application of Water.—See " Pains in the Small of the Back." . Apministration.—In the sciatica (ischias), as well as 4 42 general diseases. the febrile stage of the coxagra, give the medicines as re- quired in the acute form of " Rheumatism" (see this article). In the chronic form (suppurative stage) of coxagra, give the remedies as stated in " Chronic Rheumatism." Diet and Regimen.—The same as in " Rheumatism," but without external applications, save cold-water bandages, in any stage of the disease, when the patient can bear them, and feels relieved after them. Inflammation of the Knee Joint. (Gonitis) Inflammation and swelling of this important joint, re- quires the use of Aconite and Belladonna, Bryonia, Rhus, Lachesis, Mercury, one after the other, if the first two have not allayed the inflammation. If suppuration threatens, which is indicated by the swelling not going down after the severest fever is over, give Sulphur; in eight days Silicea, and consult medical aid. Administration of Aconite, Belladonna, and the other remedies, the same as in "Acute Rheumatism." Diet and Regimen.—Also the same, but without any outward application, save cold-water bandages, when the patient feels relieved by them, at any stage of the disease. Inflammation of the Psoas Muscle. (Psoitis.) Diagnosis.—Pain in the region of the kidneys, hip, and downward to the leg, which can not be stretched, or drawn near to the abdomen, without pain; increased, also, by turn- ing, when lying and lifting, with a feeling of numbness of the affected side; walking is possible only by hobbling, with the body bent forward. Although not often fatal, yet it is very important in its consequences, as its issues may give rise to lingering diseases. If suppuration takes place, by not preventing it in time, the matter discharges itself in the abdomen, and causes death; or it sinks down farther and farther, until it reaches, sometimes, even the knee >efore it escapes; frequently the spine becomes affected and cramp in the legs. 43 is rendered carious in such cases. The causes of this disease are, beside external injuries, rheumatism, and piles. Treatment.—Give, first, Aconite, and Bryonia, in alter- nation, every two, three, or four hours, a dose (four glob.); afterward, Belladonna or Nux vomica, if not relieved within twenty-four hours, and when the pains increase during mo- tion ; Rhus and Pulsatilla, however, when the pains are worse during rest; Mercury and Chamomile, when the pains are worse at night. Staphysag., when the pains are beating, indicating in- cipient suppuration. Colocynth, when the disease assumes the chronic form. In cases which came under my observation, where sup- puration was supposed to have already commenced, the alternate exhibition of Hepar Sulph., second trituration, and Lachesis, sixth dilution, prevented the formation of an abscess, and their use was continued until complete restoration. In these cases I alternated externally the fomentation of Calen- dula, with washings of diluted tincture of Hamamelis V. If possible, consult a physician in this important disease. Application of Water, in this disease, is confined to the use of the wet bandage, often renewed, on the parts affected; lukewarm sitting-baths, afterward applied, will accelerate the cure. Administration, Diet, and Regimen, as in "Affec- tion of the Knee Joint." Cramp in the Legs. Some persons are habitually afflicted with cramp in the legs, from various causes. The first remedy, which every one naturally will resort to, is, to rub the parts taken with the cramp, either with the hands or a rough towel, which, in a short time, will relieve the spasm. Another expedient is, to'jump on the cold floor of the room, if the cramp occurs in the calves of the legs, and while in bed; but, if it should occur frequently in the night, take 44 general diseases. Veratrum, every night a dose (four glob.), for a few nights; or, if it occurs in pregnant females, Secale, in the same manner. This remedy is also the best, when the cramp in the legs befalls old, debilitated people. If the cramps occur more in the day-time, take Rhus, in the morning, in the same manner. Colocynth relieves the remaining stiffness, also cramps, occurring in the night. Sulphur, Lycopodium, and Sepia, may be taken in inter- vals of four or six days, to prevent the return of the cramps. Diet and Regimen, as in all chronic diseases. Sweating Feet. This is a complaint with which a great many-persons are afflicted. It is generally connected with a qualitative Cor- ruption of the secretions, by which a bad smell is emitted, thereby rendering the complaint very disagreeable. It can be easily suppressed by alum and s.ugar-of-lead ablutions; but he who ventures to do so, risks being taken with blind- ness, deafness, asthma, consumption, etc. Homoeopathy possesses remedies, which, when applied rightly, will insure a permanent and safe cure. Treatment.—Rhus, inwardly, every third evening, six glob., to be continued for at least four weeks, after which two weeks must elapse before the next remedy may be taken. During the first four weeks, bathe the feet every other evening, in cold water, into which four drops of the mother tincture of Rhus (to be had in any homoeopathic pharmacy) have been dropped. If this does not succeed, after that time, drop into the water for bathing the feet a teaspoonful of the tincture of Hamamel. V., and take also, inwardly, of the same remedy, four globules, every night, for at least three or four weeks. Silicea, is the next remedy after the above remedies, if they have not already ameliorated the complaint; to be taken GOITRE—sleeplessness. 45 in the same manner. In this way, alternate with these three remedies, until better, or apply to a homoeopathic physician, who has more remedies at his command, which, however, can be chosen, only according to the individual constitutionality of each one's case. Application of Water.—Cold foot-bath must not be used in this disease; if a person wants to use the hydro- pathic means, he had better resort to an institution, as in this disease, simple as it seems to be, the greatest caution is necessary in the use of water, and generally a full treatment, to change the constitution of the patient. Goitre. (Struma.) This disease consists in a swelling of the thyroid gland, in front of the throat. It is, in the majority of cases, of a scrofulous origin ; depends, sometimes, however, on an en- demical cause, occuring as it does most frequently near mountains, especially at their base, and in their valleys. Treatment.—Take, internally, Spongia, every evening a dose (six glob.), and wash externally with a solution of the tincture of Iodine diluted in alcohol, every evening, until it disappears. If this treatment does not disperse the goitre within two months, apply to a homoeopathic physician, who has other remedies suitable for each individual case. Diet, as usual in chronic diseases. Sleeplessness. (Agrypnia.) This disease consists in an impossibility to sleep, without any apparent external or internal cause to disturb the sleep. If it continues for months and years, a serious disturbance of all functions must ensue. In infants, particularly, it be- comes a distressing circumstance for mothers and nurses, as we often are unable to find out its cause. Treatment.— Coffea and Belladonna, two doses in alter- nation (in children, Coffea and Bellad.cc), every hour one 46 GENERAL DISEASES. dose (four glob.) frequently allay the over-excitement of the nervous system. If this will not do one night, try on the next, Belladonna, if caused by congestion of blood to the head. Hyoscyamus, especially after severe illness. Ignatia, when caused by grief, indignation. Nux vomica, when from study and meditation in hypo- chondriacs. Opium, after fright and fear, or in old people, or where frightful visions appear when closing the eyes. Pulsatilla, when having indulged too freely in eating. Aconite, when caused by agitating events and anxiety. If caused by drinking tea or coffee, see their antidotes in the articles respecting these substances. In children, beside Coffea and Bellad., are recommended Cham., Jalap, and Rheum., when it is caused by colic. (See this article in " Diseases of Children.") Sleeplessness consists frequently only in a kind of dis- turbed sleep, which appears as if it were no sleep at all. In such cases the following remedies may be taken. Restless sleep, with frequent tossing about: China, Arseni- cum, Chamomile. Sleep disturbed by dreams: Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus. Sleep disturbed by sudden jerks, from fear or anxious dreams: Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Opium, Sulphur. Sleep with sudden screaming out, loud talking: Arsenicum, Jalapa, Ignatia, Chamomile, Belladonna. In cases of sleeplessness, where no probable cause can be assigned, the best means to produce sleep are to desist en- tirely from the efforts to go to sleep; to arise and engage either in walking for awhile, or in mere thinking, as if no 6leep were wanting; this course subdues sooner than any other the over-excitement in the nervous system. Application of Water. — Beside these remedies, a sponge-bath of cold water, every evening when going to bed, is strongly recommended; also a cold foot-bath, before goin<» NIGHTMARE—PALSY. 47 to bed, if the patient can not sleep on account of congestion to the head. Nightmare. (Incubus.) A well-known troublesome disease, consisting in a heavy pressure on the precordial region, which impedes breathing, creating thereby many images of fancy, monsters, robbers, bears, etc. It occurs mostly in the first hours of sleep, and, if recurring every night, would certainly injure the general state of the health. It is caused either by an overloaded stomach, congestion of the blood to the abdomen, or to the precordial region, when lying on the back. Treatment.—Persons liable to this disease must first avoid the above-mentioned exciting causes, before the follow- ing remedies can have their effect: Aconite: Especially in women and children, when fever- ish ness, oppression of the chest, anxiety, and inquietude pre- vail. Nux vomica, after drinking spiritous liquors, eating a full meal in the night, or by sedentary habits. Opium: The principal remedy in severe attacks, snoring, respiration, eyes half open, face covered with cold perspira- tion, and convulsive movements of the limbs. Application of AVater.—The wet bandage around the chest during the night is strongly recommended, with a cold ablution and dry rubbing in the morning; beside daily exer- cise in the open air, and the free use of cold water internally. Diet must be moderate, consisting more of vegetables than meat; constipation is relieved by cold water injections, and the drinking of cold water. Palsy. (Parcdysis.) This affection of the nerves of voluntary motion is one of those diseases, to remove which, it requires the greatest skill of a physician; and, by bringing it under our notice here, we 48 GENERAL DISEASES. intend merely to warn our readers not to waste time, health, and money, in using a variety of nostrums which might be recommended for it; but to apply at once to a skillful homceo- pathic physician, who can effect a cure in a majority of cases. Beside, we will record a few remedies, with which such a cure may be commenced. If from debility caused by loss of fluids, China, Ferrum, Sulphur. If from suppression of an eruption or habitual discharge, Lachesis, Sulphur, Caustic. If from rheumatism, Bryonia, Rhus, Arnica, Lycopodium. If from apoplexy, Ipecac, Lachesis, Lycopodium. If from handling white lead, or exposure to the fumes of lead, Opium, Bellad., Platina, Pulsatilla. If the facial muscles are paralyzed, Belladon., Graphites, Caustic. If the tongue, Bellad., Opium, Stramonium, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis. If the arms, Bellad., Lachesis, Nux vomica, Opium, Lyco- podium. If the lower limbs, Cocculus, Opium, Nux vomica, Stan- num, Silicea. If the left side is paralyzed, give Lachesis and Lycopodium in alternation, every evening and morning a dose (four globules). If the right side, give Belladonna and Opium in the same manner. Electricity and Galvanism may be used in this disease with the greatest advantage, as also the cold water in bathing and drinking. (See " Hydropathy.") Application of Water.—Rubbing with cold water, the wet bandage, and finally the douche are powerful helps in this disease; but their use ought to be sought rather in hy- dropathic institutions, where the facilities for their applica- tion are greater and more regulated. DELIRIUM tremens—EPILEPSY. 49 Delirium Tremens. (Mania a potu.) This terrible disease is almost exclusively confined to drunkards and opium eaters, who are taken, especially when exhausted otherwise, with a delirium and frenzy, in which appearances of horrible monsters, animals, figures of all kinds, frighten their imagination, combined with ravings, convulsion fits, and complete inability to sleep. In the long and sleep- less hours, they converse incessantly with these supposed re- alities, by which they wear out their strength more and more. Treatment.—Opium is the specific in this disease, if it is caused by ardent spirits, as this drug is itself able to produce such a disease. Give of it, every hour or two hours, a dose (one or two drops of a diluted tincture of opium), for at least twenty hours, to see its effects. After this, give Bellad., Nux., Hyosc, Sulphur, one after the other, each, for twenty-four hours, every three or four hours, a dose (six glob.), or Cal- carea carbonica, if frightful images appear as soon as the patient shuts the eyes, or when he talks in his sleep, groans, cries, dreams fantastically and frightfully. If nothing will produce sleep, give Lachesis and Arsenic, in alternation, every three hours a dose (four glob.). Let the patient drink freely of cold water, as the best stim- ulus which can be substituted. For solid nourishment, give him hard-toasted bread; as soon as he is convalescent, give him good beefsteak, bread, and water, on which diet he has to subsist for a long time. In this way I have cured very bad cases, and had the satisfaction to see them not only restored to health again, but to usefulness and their friends, as they never relapsed into their former error. Epilepsy. (Epilepsia) Diagnosis.—Convulsive motions, with loss of conscious- ness; falling down, with cries, foaming at the mouth, the thumbs fixed into the palms of the hands. The loss of con- sciousness is the most essential symptom, not the violence of 50 general diseases. the convulsions. Hysterical spasms are very similar tc the epileptic, but seldom produce an entire loss of conscious- ness. Most of the epileptic patients can be cured, but it requires the attendance of a skillful homoeopathic practitioner. We refrain, therefore, from mentioning here any more of the treatment of this disease, than that which relates to the attack itself. Treatment.—A patient in an epileptic fit must be placed in a position in which he can not hurt himself; give him, however, full liberty of his own actions, without holding him, or forcing open his thumbs, which is of no use. Let him smell on Camphor spirits. If convenient, put between his teeth a cork or piece of wood, to prevent his tongue being injured. As soon as possible, give him one dose (four glob.) of Bellad.; or, if his face is dark and congested, his breath- ing very hard and snoring, a dose of Opium (four glob.). St. Vitus's Dance. (Chorea.) Diagnosis.—Involuntary motions of single members or the whole body, wandering from one part to the other. The pa- tient retains full consciousness, which is a distinctive feature of this disease from epilepsy. It varies very much in degree; occurs most frequently at the time of the development of pu- berty, from the seventh to the sixteenth year, more among the female sex, more in moist regions on the sea-coast than in more elevated places. It may occur, also, as an epidemic, and is then infectious, particularly when large crowds meet. It is not a dangerous disease, but troublesome, and may lead to other derangements; ought to be attended to, therefore, immediately, as, in such a case, it can easily be cured. Treatment.—As we recommend our readers to apply, in a case of this kind, to a homoeopathic physician at once, we .irnit our remarks on the treatment to a few remedies, which may be given in the beginning. Ignatia, every evening a dose (six glob.) for eight days; after it, TETANUS—TRISMUS—LOCKJAW. 51 Sulphur, every other evening a dose (six glob.) for eight days, and then discontinue for three or four weeks, to await the effect. If the patient should suffer habitually from constipation, a few doses of Glauber salts will frequently be sufficient to cure the disease; in such cases the patient should take only enough of the above salts in solution to produce from three to four evacuations during twenty-four hours. Diet and Regimen.—No greasy substances, no coffee or tea, but good plain food. Try to divert the attention of the patient from his disease; never speak of it in his presence. Tetanus. Trismus. (Lockjaw.) Diagnosis.—Constant spasmodic contraction of one mus- cle, or all the muscles. According to the parts affected and the direction in which the body is drawn, the disease has received different names; which distinction does not come, however, within the limits of our description, as such severe diseases as these will require medical aid. We intend here to speak more especially of one form of tetanus, called trismus or lockjaw, which is of frequent occurrence in southern lat- itudes, and, from its quick termination, requires prompt action, and, therefore, domestic attention. Lockjaw. (Trismus.) It arises immediately after a wound has been inflicted, in consequence of the violent pain and nervous irritation, in which case it proves fatal in a very short time; or it occurs in the first few days after the infliction of a wound, during its inflammatory stage, or from eight to ten days afterward, while the wound is healing and suppurating, without any pain and inflammation. The exciting causes are, mental affections, taking cold, corrupt air, foreign bodies in the wound, tension, and distraction of single fibers in the wound. The most dan- gerous are the stitch wounds in tendonous parts, as in the sole of the foot and the palm of the hand. The pulse fre- 52 GENERAL diseases. quently remains normal, the head free, yet there is great anxiety and oppressed breathing. Treatment.—Enlarge the wound, if possible, and poul- tice it with bread and milk. Beside, give the following rem- edies : Arnica. In the beginning, externally, in a wash or fomen- tation ; internally, in globules or drops, every two hours a dose (four glob, or one drop). Belladonna and Lachesis, in alternation, in the same dose and time, if the spasms increase. If no improvement, after twelve hours, takes place, give Opium and Hyoscyamus, in the same manner. Secale, if the patient feels worse in the warmth. Ignatia, if the patient grows worse, whenever touched or handled. Rhus and Ignatia, in case the body is bent backward, in the form of an arch. Administer it in the same manner. Stramonium, in the same form of lockjaw, if the two former remedies were of no avail. Application of Water.—The action of the homoeo- pathic remedies in this disease, must be supported by the following hydropathic process. The patient having been put in a bathing-tub, is rubbed well and for a long time with cold water, after which he is brought to bed again and rubbed dry with the hands or dry woolen cloths. In an hour or two this process has to be repeated, if no change has taken place; sometimes it is good to expose the spine to the douche, after which the rubbing with the hands must be repeated again. We here insert a case of lockjaw successfully treated by Isaac Colby, M. D., of Salem Mass., and reported in the Pro- ceedings of the American Institute of Homoeopathy, in the year 1853. Jan. 1853. William Horton, aged twenty-two, received an injury by a nail projecting from a timber, by which a deep and lacerated wound was made between the metacarpal bones of the third and fourth fingers of the left hand,jiearly through LOCKJAW. 53 the hand. A few drops of dark-colored blood flowed out, and the pain for a few minutes was intense. When it abated he was faint and dizzy, but recovered so as to eat his dinner. After dinner a blindness came over him, he felt sick, and vomited, and lost the power of locomotion—seemed to be paralyzed.» Spasms then commenced in the pit of the stom- ach, and soon spread all over him, at first remittent, returning once in two or three minutes, and attended with vomiting. The injury occurred at 12 M. I saw him four or five hours after, in company with my partner, Dr. J. G. Wood. At 6 o'clock, the extensor muscles of the whole body became rigidly contracted, so that he formed a semicircle, and when on his back rested only on the heels and head, and his suffer- ings appeared exceedingly great. At this stage, seeing that the disease was progressing with such fearful rapidity, I thought it not proper to spend much time in administering ordinary remedies, especially as I had one at hand of such undoubted efficiency, as I knew cold water to be. I had him immediately placed in a position to receive as much of the water in tubs as could conveniently be done, but, considering the urgency of the case, was not very particular about that. I commenced pouring all over him water of a temperature near that of freezing point, from a pitcher, at the rate of a bucket full every five minutes, and continued it half an hour. Then I wiped him with a towel, wrapped him in blankets, put him in bed with a great amount of covering, and let him remain there two or three hours, till reaction and free perspira- tion took place. Then he was sponged all over in cold water. When I had poured the water on him about twenty min- utes, and he had begun to be very cold, he felt the spasms evidently give way, first in the least affected side, and then, in a few minutes, in the half of the body that had received the injury, and the pain abated, .and the limbs became flex- ible. But, to make the cure certain, I continued the pouring a short time after he was relieved, till he shook violently all over with the cold. 54 general diseases. After the reaction had taken place, and he had been sponged with cold water, to carry off the superfluous heat, a soreness of all the muscles remained, with violent headache, and he could not endure any motion or noise for several days, and could not be raised from his bed for more than a week; but, by the application of appropriate remedies under the care of Dr. Wood, he gradually recovered without any symptoms of a return of the spasms. The application of cold water in this manner is not techni- cally Hydropathy. It is simply a sudden reduction of tem- perature by means of an agency acting on the Homoeopathic law of cure, with an energy and power to which no other known remedy can approach. And it meets a more extensive range of diseases than any other remedy, because it has the leading foundation symptoms of diseased action—which is a sensation of cold. When the vital organism is assailed by any hurtful cause, the first manifestation is a sense of coldness or shivering, more or less perceptible. This is so uniform, it may be con- sidered the first symptom of an abnormal state. And when the vital power is not too much overcome, the cold is followed by heat, and this generally by perspiration. This constitutes the essential type of disease, and shows the natural movement of the animal economy when assailed by any hurtful agency, and points out the true mode of cure. The cold stage is the leading symptom consequent on the exciting cause, and the heat and perspiration may be but a salutary action to throw off the attack. Often it is successful, and one paroxysm ter- minates the disease. The reason why every attack is not thus speedily terminated, is because the power of reaction is not always sufficient of itself to throw it off. Here we need an agent that will powerfully impress the whole organism, and put it in a pathological condition analogous to that which constitutes the main features of the disease, and in a manner that will secure a certain and energetic reaction. The reduo LOCKJAW. 55 tion of temperature, by the application of cold watei is pre- cisely this agency. 1 have made a great many experiments, by this reduction of temperature, during the last four years. I place the pa- tient in a large tub, either seated, with feet in another tub, or standing on a stool to keep the feet out of water, without covering, or with a sheet about the shoulders, as circumstances require, and pour the water from a pitcher upon the head and shoulders, letting it run down the body at the rate of a bucket- ful every five minutes, till the patient shakes violently with cold, which takes from twenty minutes to three quarters of an hour, according to the temperature of the water; then wipe and wrap in a blanket, and cover in bed till reaction and free perspiration takes place, which requires from two to four hours; then sponge in cold water to carry off the superfluous heat, and put on ordinary covering. In this way I have treated more than a hundred cases during the last four years. I now know what results I can depend on with great cer- tainty. This remedy is far more effectual in the early stage, while it remains but a functional disease.* It is the true Homoeopathic remedy for all spasms. Intense cold always causes rigidity of the muscles. In tetanus it can never fail to cure. In this case I had no doubt of its success, and had decided to continue to pour the water till the spasms gave way. A person may remain very cold for a long time, without any danger to life, if rightly treated. I would rather keep a patient pulseless and senseless three weeks, by the application of cold, than have them die with this disease. I have in sev- eral cases of other diseases continued to pour cold water till after the pulse ceased in the wrist, and till the patient was so stiff he could not rise from the seat. In this case, if the spasms * In the early stage of typhus fever, the reduction of temperature has been found the most efficient means to cut short the disease. This has been extensively proved in the German hospitals in the Franco-German war.—[Author. 56 general diseases. had returned, I should have applied it again more thoroughly than before. Again, there is trembling when a person has become very cold. It is, therefore, the remedy for clonic spasms. Can a person tremble with any other spasms when he is shaking tremendously with cold? I have applied it in many cases of spasms in children, some of which are reported in the second -volume of the Quarterly Journal of Homoeopathy. It never fails to stop them. But when they depend on organic lesions, when the patient gets warm, they may return again. It is adapted to all acute diseases, when applied in the early stage. I believe there is a period in every fever when one applica- tion of cold water, as described above, would effectuallv stop its progress, and the patient would be immediately as well as before the attack. I have had much experience on this point. But too often this period has passed by before the physician is called. In the Asiatic cholera I think it can not fail of adaptation. It is the means of conducting the patient through the same pathological stages which constitute the essential characteris- tics of the disease, with a certainty of a successful, healthy reaction. I should expect it would cure every case if season- ably applied.* This remedy is capable of doing, in many cases, what all other remedies would fail to accomplish, and is safe in its ap- plication, but is too formidable for extensive use. Diet and Regimen.-—The same as in fevers. Again we would advise not to be negligent in the treat- ment of even apparently slight injuries. If pain and tension is felt in the wound, it should be treated at once and faith- fully with poultices, until the pain has ceased and the wound begins to discharge the healthy matter. * The truth of this assertion will be verified when opportunity is given for a trial, as it already has been the case in Typhus, where it led to such brilliant lesults. It is in hospital practice mostly relied on.—[Author. somnolency—lethargy—fatigue, etc. 57 Somnolency—Lethargy. Diagnosis.—A sleep, continued beyond the natural time, for days or weeks. During this time, short intervals of wak- ing intervene, but the patient soon relapses into sleep again. Nourishment can be given only by injecting fluid aliments; otherwise, the functions of life are not disturbed. In such cases, a physician should be consulted ; but up to the time of his coming, the following medicines may be given. Opium, if the pulse is full and slow, the breathing snoring, and the face very red, even dark; every three hours a dose, or until better. Belladonna, if the head is hot and the feet are cold; pulse accelerated and hard. Lachesis, if the pulse is very weak; beside, Aconite, Vera- trum, Pulsatilla, Phosphoric acid, one after the other, if neces- sary. Application of Water.—That cold water must be a powerful auxiliary in the treatment of this disease, is very evident; its use must be regulated according to the symp- toms of the case; cold foot-bath, if the head is hot and congested; sitz-baths, hand and head-baths are variously ap- plicable. Fatigue, Overheating, and Mental Exhaustion. Arnica, for a feeling as if the body were bruised after over- exertion of the body, and too long and fast traveling on foot; wash the fatigued limbs in. water, with which a few drops of the Arnica tincture have been mixed. Rhus: Pains in the joints; after Arnica, if this was not sufficient; in alternation with Bryonia, if there are shooting pains in the small of the back on moving. China :■ Weakness after loss of fluids, or heavy perspirations. Veratrum, if persons are so fatigued as to cause fainting, in alternation with Ipecac or Apis mel. 58 GENERAL DISEASES. Coffea and Camphor, in alternation, when the system is ex- hausted by disease, abstinence from food, or violent exercise. Cocculus and Nux vom., if caused by long night-watch ing. Aconite, if, with weakness, there is palpitation of the heart, pain in the side, difficulty of breathing, aching in the limbs from running fast; and then in alternation with Bryonia. Cocculus, if the least exertion causes fatigue, followed by Veratrum and Calcarea, if necessary. Administration.—Dissolve twelve glob, of a remedy in half a teacupful of water, and give, every half-hour or hour, a teaspoonful, until better. If overheated by bodily exercise in the summer, take a little brandy and water, and no cold drinks until restored again; or, if possible, take a warm bath for twenty minutes. If the limbs feel sore, rub with Arnica, or alcohol in which soap is dissolved. For mental exhaustion by over-study or anxious night- watching, take Nux vomica; if very much excited and sleep- less, Coffea; if with fullness of the head, Belladonna. Fainting, Swooning. (Syncope.) Nervous persons, particularly females, are subject to faint- ing fits, excited by various causes, external or internal. The first thing to be done is, to lay the patient quietly on a bed or couch, with the shoulders and head very low, where the fresh air is accessible; loosen every thing tight about the neck, chest, and stomach, and sprinkle cold water in the face, for a minute or two; during this time some one has procured spirits of camphor, which now may be held under the nose, to be inhaled. This, in most cases, is sufficient to restore the patient for the time, who must now be let alone, to gather strength ; if vomiting should then come, it must not be checked ; neither should the patient be disturbed, if he inclines to sleep, as nothing can be more strengthening at this time. If the cause of the fainting can be ascertained, one of the following remedies may be given, to destroy the apparent death. 59 bad consequences which the attack may have on the nerve ua system. If caused by fright, Aconite, Opium, Sambucus, SUiphy- sag., Veratrum. By excessive joy, Coffea, Aconite, Opium. By anger, Pulsatilla, Platina, Nux vom., Chamomile. By excessive pain, Veratrum, Aconite, Chamomile. By the slightest pain, Hepar. By grief, mortification, Ignatia, Colocynth, Platina, Mer- cury, Phosphor, acid, Staphysag. By fear, Ignatia, Pulsatilla, Veratrum, Opium. By depletion, blood-letting, etc., China, Carbo veg., Vera- trum, when, also, a little wine or brandy and water may be given. Administration.—Dissolve twelve glob, of the selected medicine in half a teacupful of water, and give, every five or ten minutes, a teaspoonful. If not relieved in twenty or thirty minutes, prepare and give another remedy in the same manner. Apparent Death. Whenever a sudden extinction of life appears, our suspi- cion must be aroused, as regards the real or apparent death of the individual, in as far as we frequently might be able to restore the apparently dead to life again, if we would only take the trouble and have the patience to use the requisite means. And even when these are applied, it is often done in an unsystematic manner. As most cases of apparent death occur under violent cir- cumstances, such as drowning, hanging, etc., it is quite natural that the minds of the by-standers become agitated and confused, not knowing what is first to be done. This uncertainty and hurry of action, however, can not produce any favorable results in resuscitating the apparently dead. It is of the utmost importance to remain self-possessed, to reflect well, and then to do only one thing at a time, until 60 general diseases. all available means to restore life are exhausted. There are a great many accidents in life, by which its existence is put in jeopardy. We will enumerate them here, and the means which ought to be used. On poisoning, we give a separate chapter. (See page 76.) 1. Apparent Death from Hunger. If starvation was the cause of an apparent suspension of life, inject small quantities of warm milk mixed with a very little brandy or Madeira wine; beside, lay cloths, dipped in warm milk and brandy, on the stomach. Do not attempt to give any nourishment by the mouth, until after the patient has commenced breathing again, at which time the wrarm milk may be given to him, drop by drop, through the mouth. Increase the doses of milk very gradually, until the patient can take a teaspoonful; then a few drops of wine or brandy will be salutary. After awhile, give him small quantities of beef-tea, or other broth. Solid food is not allowed, until after the patient has had a sound, healthy sleep: and even then, he has to be very careful in not eating too much at a time, or indulging in any thing indigestible. 2. Apparent Death from Drowning. The following cautions ought to be observed: 1. Be quick, but not rough, in all that has to be done. 2. Do not roll the body on casks. 3. Do not hold it up by the feet. 4. Do not rub the body with salts or spirits, nor inject smoke or infusion of tobacco. 5. Do not bleed the patient. But do the following immediately : 1. Convey the body, carefully, in a raised position, to the nearest house, if possible; or, if not, lay it on a dry, sandv place, in the hot sun. 2. Strip the body, and rub it dry; then wrap it in warm blankets, either in a warm bed, or in heated sand or ashes, APPARENT death from drowning. 61 until other means of warming the body can be procured, such as bottles of hot water, warming-pans, heated bricks, etc., which may be applied successively on the stomach, spine, thighs, under the armpits, and soles of the feet. 3. Wipe and cleanse the mouth, nostrils, and throat, care- fully ; during this operation the body may be turned on its side, the head bent forward, to allow the water to run out of the mouth; all the water which can run out, is in the mouth. 4. Rub, continually and briskly, the whole body with the hands, or with warm cloths. Do not suspend, however, the use of the other means. 5. The following method of imitating natui'al respiration, and thereby filling with and emptying the lungs of air, has been proposed and practiced successfully in England. The patient lying on his back, with head and shoulders a little raised, both of his arms, held above the elbows, should be drawn steadily upward, above his head, and kept in that position, while counting one, two; this motion expands the chest and draws in the air; now, to expel the air, bring the arms down again to the sides of the chest, and hold them there while counting one, two ; in this manner repeat this up and downward movement of the arms about fifteen times in a minute; continue thus for one hour. (Figs. 1 and 2.) Although these means may be apparently ineffectual, in the first hour, we must not cease our labors, only conduct them for the next hour according to Marshall Hall's method, which is as follows: 6. Have the body fully turned on one side, and again slowly replaced on the stomach. These movements must be made alternately, gently and equably, fifteen times in a minute. When laid on the stomach, pressure is made on the thorax and abdomen, which induces expiration; when turned on the side, this pressure is removed, and in- spiration is induced; continue this method at least for one hour, and watch continually for the first signs of natural 62 general diseases. breathing. If none have as yet appeared, manipulate during the next hour as stated in No. 5, and continue to alternate with these two methods, Nos. 5 and 6, for several hours longer. 7. Immerse the body, if possible, in a warm bath, at blood heat (100° F.). 8. Electricity or galvanism may be used. 9. Put a few globules of Lachesis, and afterward Opium, on the tongue of the patient. 10. Continue this treatment for, at least, four or six hours; if then no signs of life appear, try the next method. Prof. Howard's Direct Method (see Fig. 3).—Com- prising inspiration and expiration by only one manipulation, as follows: while an attendant holds both arms of the drowned person above his head, and draws his tongue for- ward outside of one corner of the mouth, another kneels over him, and presses with both hands on the side of the short ribs upward, for a few seconds, then lets suddenly go; wai^no1 a few seconds, when the same process is repeated, about fifteen times in a minute. APPARENT DEATH. 63 If the patient recovers and can swallow, give him small quantities of warm wine or brandy and water. 3. Apparent Death from Freezing. See " Frozen Limbs," page 75. 4. Apparent Death from Lightning. Remove the body into the fresh air, and, immediately, dash cold water on face, neck, and breast. If possible, cover the body all over (except the face) with newly-ex- cavated earth. These means are the best, because water and wet ground are good conductors of electricity, with which the patient's system is surcharged at the time. Inwardly, give him, from time to time, a few globules of Nux vomica, of which, also, a solution may be injected. If the patient recovers, remove him to a light, sunny room, where he should be kept.quiet for some time, with- out mental excitement. 5. Apparent Death from Hanging, Choking, or Suffocation by Burdens and Pressure. Tight clothing must be removed, and the patient placed in an easy, half-erect position; the neck not bent forward too much. Then rub him gently, but steadily, with the hands or warm cloths, and give, inwardly, from time to time, a few drops of the following mixture: five drops-of laudanum or tincture of Opium in four tablespoonfuls of water; of which, also, injections may be made; five drops of the mixture to 64 GENERAL DISEASES. each injection. Afterward, apply means for warming the body, such as heated bricks, bottles of hot water, etc. If this has been continued for an hour or two, and still no signs of life appear, mix a drop of Prussic acid in a tum- blerful of water, or pound a bitter almond fine and mix it in a tumblerful of water, and put a few drops of either of these mixtures on the tongue from time to time. After recovery, treat the patient as stated under the head "Apparent Death from Drowning." 6. Apparent Death from Noxious Vapors. Remove the body into cool, fresh air; dash water over neck, face, and breast, and treat it, in general, as is recommended under the head " Apparent Death from Drowning." 7. Apparent Death from a Fall or Blow. After the sufferer has been placed in a half-erect position on a bed or couch, put on his tongue a few globules of Ar- nica, and wash the parts which have been hurt by the fall or blow with a solution of the tincture of Arnica and cold water (twelve drops of the tincture in half a pint of water); also give injections of the same mixture. Then examine carefully the patient's condition as regards fractures of bones or other injuries, and do not allow him to be bled, as this expedient is, to say the least, always of a doubtful character, and en- tirely superseded by the above treatment. Continue steadily the use of Arnica, internally and exter- nally; if the patient has been bled, a dose (four glob.) of China may be given, if much blood has been taken. 8. Apparent Death from Violent Mental Emotion. See the article on " Fainting, Swooning," page 58. CHAPTER II. CASUAL DISEASES. I. External Injuries* As this subject commands such a wide sphere of action, including, as it were, the whole art of surgery, it would be impossible to do it justice in a treatise like this, except we were able to condense it in a lucid manner, showing the ap- plication of a few medicinal agents and mechanical appliances, and pointing at those principles, on the strength of which they are used. Thus, every one can easily be prepared to do, if not all, what could be done right; at least, not to do wrong, in cases where circumstances require him to do something. In the term, "external injuries," are comprehended, 1. Fractures of Bones. 2. Dislocations of Joints. 3. Wounds and Bruises. 4. Sprains and Concussions. 5. Burns and Scalds. 6. Poisoned Wounds, Stings of Insects, etc 7. Frozen Limbs, etc 1. Fractures of Bones. It is all-important from the first, to know whether a frac- ture has taken place, and to what extent. Its immediate reduction is not so necessary, as this can be done, just as con- * See the more extended treatise on Surgery, in part second. 6 (65) 66 casual diseases. veniently and better, after the first wound-fever has disap- peared, which generally lasts from two to three days. The fracture of a bone is presumed to have taken place, when the force and direction of the injury or accident were sufficient to accomplish it. Its certainty, however, is estab- lished, when, on closer examination, we find the injured limb shorter, in some measure deformed, unable to move, when the patient feels stinging pains on the injured place, and when we can hear, on handling this spot, a crepitation, that is, a grating noise, which is produced when the two broken sur- faces of the bone are rubbed together. There are a number of terms to indicate the nature and extent of the injury sustained by a fracture. It is called a simple fracture, when the bone is broken with- out any severe contusion or external wound. A compound fracture is attended by an external wound or protrusion of the broken bone through the skin. Complicated is a fracture, when the bone is either broken in more than one place, or is attended by other severe inju- ries, such as lacerations of flesh, ligaments, larger blood-ves- sels, etc. In a transverse fracture the bone is broken in a perpendicular direction to its axis, while in the oblique frac-. ture this is not the case. If the bone is broken into several pieces, the fracture is called a comminuted fracture. Treatment.—Put the patient in a comfortable position; move the broken limb or part as carefully as possible, and compare its formation with the corresponding healthy one. If it is possible, without much exertion, to straighten its form, do so, even if temporary extension of the broken parts would be required to bring them together; then put a compress around the broken parts, on top of which place four strips of pasteboard or shingles, which are to be kept in their places by a circular bandage, not fastened too tight. Oyer the whole pour, from time to time, a mixture of cold water and Arnica tincture (twelve drops of the tincture to half a pint of water, well mixed); put the limb in a comfortable posture, DISLOCATIONS—WOUNDS AND BRUISES. 67 by pillows, etc.; keep the fractured parts wet, and give, in- ternally, a drop or two of Arnica tincture every six or eight hours. After the second or third day of the injury, when by the use of the Arnica the bruises and contusions of the limb have healed, prepare and use the tincture of Symphytum in the same manner as directed under Arnica. The use of Symphytum accelerates the adhesion of the broken parts. The attention of a surgeon must be sought at any rate; but, if he can not be had, a repetition of the above band- aging on the third, sixth, and twelfth day, etc., will be suf- ficient to insure the healing of the fractured parts. In fractures of the skull, do nothing more than apply cold water and Arnica, as above stated, until a surgeon arrives. 2. Dislocations of Joints. Compare the dislocated part with the corresponding healthy one, and consider, quietly, without being confused, whether it can easily be brought back, for which purpose a few trials may be made. If, however, this should be too hazardous, desist from any further attempts, but use cold water and Arnica, as stated in " Fractures of Bones," and wait for the arrival of a competent surgeon. If bandages are necessary, their use must be to confine the joint for some time in the same position after it becomes set. 3. Wounds and Bruises. Wounds are either incisive, lacerated, contused, punctured, or gunshot wounds, according to the various instruments which have inflicted them. Our object is to heal them as quickly as possible, as cir- cumstances Avill allow. This is done, by bringing their edges immediately in close contact and keeping them there by adhesive plaster or sutures, which is the quickest mode of healing wounds, particularly those of the incisive kind. In some wounds the edges can not be brought together, because 68 casual diseases. the flesh is lacerated or bruised. Cases of this kind have to heal by means of suppuration, by which healthy granulation is produced, gluing as it were the parts together. This process applies to all the other kinds of wounds, including the punctured and gunshot wounds. One important consid- eration must always be kept in view; never to allow the surface of a wound to heal or close before it is certain that its deeper parts have firmly adhered. This can be prevented by introducing lint to the bottom of the wound, renewing it as often as necessary, at least once a day, and cleaning it with lukewarm water. The first thing to be done, in attending to a wound, is to clean it, by cold water, from all foreign bodies which may be in it. Splinters must be extracted carefully, and the hem- orrhage stopped, which, in most cases, ceases after the appli- cation of cold water mixed with a few drops of Arnica tinc- ture (see "Fractures"); if it does not stop, however, or if the blood gushes out of the wound in jets, and is of a bright red color (arterial blood), try to compress the wound with lint dipped in arnica-water, overlaid with a sponge; and if this does not succeed, compress with the fingers the artery above the wound (on a place nearer to the heart), which can be found on the inside of a limb, indicated by the beating of the artery; if this can not be done, bind around the whole limb, above the wound, a handkerchief, as tight as is neces- sary to stay the hemorrhage. If the patient has lost a great quantity of blood, give him some good wine and a few doses of China; he will feel stronger in a short time. When this is done, dress the wounds, either with adhesive plaster (if they are cut or incisive wounds), or loosely with lint kept constantly wet by cold water mixed with Arnica tincture (see " Fractures"). Give, internally, a few drops of Arnica tincture in water, and place the patient in a comfortable position. Contused and bruised wounds allow of a certain degree of compression, by adhesive plaster, after the inflammation has SPRAINS AND CONCUSSIONS. 6(J left, to make the edges adhere more closely; this can be done afterward. Another important consideration is, to keep healing wounds well cleansed, by means of allowing the secreted matter to escape easily in the lint spread over the wound to keep off the air. Every day a suppurating wound ought to be cleansed and bathed freely in lukewarm water. If a wound inflames, becomes hot, swollen, and painful, put a warm bread-and-milk poultice over it, until it feels easier; internally, give Chamomile, Belladonna, and Hepar, alter- nately, every two hours a dose (four glob.). If a wound fever sets in, give Aconite, Chamomile, and Belladonna, in alternation, in the same manner. If lockjaw should appear, see page 51. N. B. Although Arnica tincture is recommended above in all kinds of wounds as the proper outward application, yet Calendula tincture is best after Arnica, in all contused and lacerated wounds. If a wound suppurates too freely, or secretes unhealthy matter, give Hepar and Silicea, in alternation, every evening a dose (four glob.), until better. 4. Sprains and Concussions. These are caused by falls, lifting of heavy weights, jerks, false steps, etc. Bruises, wounds, or fractures, which may attend them, have to be treated first. If the patient is free from them, however, put him at once in a comfortable position, and use, externally, a mixture of cold water and Arnica tincture, particularly when the parts are black and blue (bloodshot); after it, Rhus in solution, when the joints, membranes, and tendons, are more affected. This latter rem- edy is also suitable for the bad consequences of lifting too heavy weights (strains). Internally give Bryonia and Rhus in alternation, every four hours six globules, until the patient feels relieved from the stiffness and soreness in the limbs. 70 casual diseases. Diet, must be light, no meat or stimulating drinks are allowed; gruels and lemonades are recommended. 5. Burns and Scalds. Slight degrees of these injuries heal quickly by holding the scalded parts to the fire (if that is possible), or foment- ing them with warm alcohol, or covering them with a plaster of Castile soap. But burns and scalds increase in impor- tance and danger, in proportion to the depth and extent of the injury, which, if very great, threatens the life of the pa- tient. If more than one-half of the surface of the skin is deeply scalded, the sufferer will seldom recover. A great many remedies are recommended for burns and scalds, but their usefulness must be determined according to the quickness with which they can be procured, their easy applica- bility, and, lastly, their specific effect on the burns, as such. Treatment.—The best remedy in slight cases is already mentioned above. In severer cases, and even the worst, use Castile soap, scraped and mixed with water to a thick lather; spread it on strips of linen or cotton cloth, to the thickness of the sixth of an inch; then spread it over the wound, taking care to cover with soap every burned part, and keep it moist for awhile with cold water, which may be dropped on top, very sparingly, from time to time. Let these plasters remain until they drop off themselves; or, if matter forms underneath, remove them and dress the wounds with a salve made of equal parts of sweet oil or linseed oil and lime-water, which is a very good remedy in the begin- ning, if it only could be had quick enough. Another remedy, easy of access, is, raw cotton, with which the burned parts must be covered, pressing it lightly on the wounds; or wheat flour profusely strewed over them. If a person has inhaled hot steam, or has burned his throat with hot liquids, give him, of a solution of Castile soap in whisky or alcohol (which can be made very soon by scraping soap into the liquor and shaking the bottle well), every five BURNS and scalds. 71 or ten minutes, two or three drops in water, lengthening the intervals as the patient gets better. N. B. Every steamboat ought to be provided with a bot- tle of spirits of soap, decidedly the best remedy for these in- ternal burns, as it acts specifically on the injured nervous system and composes immediately. Another remedy is the tincture of Urtica urens (stinging nettle), of which each homoeopathic medicine-chest contains a bottle. Apply it in a manner similar to the Arnica tincture (twelve drops to a pint of water). For internal burns, put three drops of it in a teacupful of water, and give, every five or ten minutes, a teaspoonful, until better. If the burns ulcerate, wash them with a solution of twelve globules of Caustic, in half a teacupful of water, three times a day, and give, internally, Sulphur and Silicea, alternately, every evening a dose (six glob.), until better. Diet and Regimen.—The diet must be light, as in fevers; but when ulceration takes place, give stimulating diet, beef, etc., even brandy and water. If a diarrhea ensues during the healing of the burns, do not disturb it by giving medicine for it (except it be too excessive), as it is a critical discharge, the intestines supplying by their action the interrupted functions of the skin. When dressing the wounds, open the blisters which have formed, remove as much of the skin as can be done easily, and take care that the patient is not exposed to currents of air during this operation, which must not last a longer time, nor be oftener repeated, than is necessary; but, if the patient should have taken cold, in consequence ©f which the wounds pain very much and become inflamed, red, swollen (a kind of erysipelas in the scalded parts), give Belladonna and Rhus, in alternation, every two hours a dose, and dress the wounds with dry lint; but if the wounds were already suppurating when this took place, give Chamomile, Bellad., and Hepar, in the same manner, and dress the wounds with a warm poultice of bread and milk, until suppuration com- mences again and the fever subsides. 72 CASUAL DISEASES. 6. Poisoned Wounds. Bites and Stings of Insects.— Bees, Spiders, Bugs, Mosquitoes, Snakes, Mad Dogs. In injuries from the above-named animals, except the two last (which are treated of below), cover the injured part with wet or damp earth immediately, and then wet it afterward with a mixture of cold water and Arnica tincture (twenty parts to one). Internally, give Ledum (twelve glob., dis- solved in water), every half hour a teaspoonful until better. In the treatment of wounds inflicted by venomous snakes and mad dogs, and of their immediate or distant consequences, hydrophobia, etc., there exists yet a great deal of uncertainty and diversity of opinion. Bites of Serpents. Arrest, as quick as possible, the circulation of blood from the poisoned wound to the heart; this is accomplished by tying a cord or handkerchief as tight as possible round the limb between the wound and the heart. Then let the pa- tient or some one else suck vigorously on the wound, spit- ting out from time to time the accumulated moisture and saliva; no bad consequences ensue to any one from the poi- son in the stomach or mouth, if the latter is not sore or abraded from other causes. While this is being done, Brandy, Whisky, Gin, or any alcoholic liquid, has to be procured, and the patient, as soon as possible, should drink of it, largely and frequently, even unto intoxication, at least so much and so often, until he feels the first symptoms of intoxication. It is astonishing what large quantities of alcoholic liquors a person can take without becoming intoxicated or receiving any injury from an overdose. A great number of cases thus successfully treated are on record; a child, ten years of age, bitten by a rattlesnake, took as much as three quarts of good strong whisky in less than twenty-four hours, when she began to feel the first slight signs of intoxication ; after a sound sleep of a few hours she was saved from the bad effects of the poison as well as the whisky. poisoned wounds. 73 If a physician can be procured, he may hasten the cure by injecting into a vein of the patient a small quantity of liquid Ammonia, which also destroys the poison in time to save the life of the sufferer. If, nevertheless, some symptoms remain, in consequence of the poisoning, consult the following: If shooting pains are present, proceeding from the wound toward the heart, and if the wound becomes bluish, mar- bled, or swollen, with vomiting, vertigo, and fainting, give Arsenic It should be administered in a dose of four glob- ules in a teaspoonful of water; and if, after this has been taken, the sufferings are still aggravated, the dose should be re- peated at the end of half an hour; but if, on the contrary, the state remains the same, it should not be repeated until the end of two or three hours; if there is an amelioration, a new aggravation must be waited for, and the dose ought not to be repeated before its appearance. In cases in which Arsenic exercises no influence, though repeated several times, recourse must be had to Belladonna; Senna also frequently proves efficacious. Against chronic affections arising from the bite of a ser- pent, Lachesis, Phosphor, ac, and Mercury will generally be most beneficial. If morbid affections or ulcerations exhibit themselves in consequence of a bite from a rabid man or animal, hydropho- bic, administered in homoeopathic doses, will often render essential service. For wounds that are envenomed by the introduction of animal substances in a state of putrefaction, or of pus from the ulcer of a diseased man or animal, Arsenic is generally the best medicine. Lastly, as a preventive against bad effects, when obliged to touch morbid animal substances, envenomed wounds, or ulcers of men and animals under the influence of contagious diseases, the best method that can be pursued is the applica- tion of Carbolio acid dissolved in water. Another expedient, 7 74 CASUAL DISEASES. always ready for use, is to expose the poisoned hands for five or ten minutes to the greatest heat that can be borne; then wash off with soap and water. The use of Chlorine and muriatic acid, in similar cases, is well known. Hydrophobia. The treatment of persons bitten by a mad dog should be commenced as early as possible, by excision of the wound as deep as the location of the wounded or lacerated parts will permit, taking care not to stop too quickly the flow of blood from the excised wound. Then cauterize the wound deep with nitrate of silver, until a large scab forms over it; in a few days a running ulcer is established, which must be kept open by means of mercurial or other irritating ointments for a great length of time; this method is especially applicable where the wound is on the arms or limbs; when in the face, a similar treatment must be pursued, but afterward a seaton on the arm or neck may be made as a substitute for the wound on the face, which then may be permitted to heal. At the same time the patient should take, every five or seven days, or as often as the aggravation of the wound re- quires it, one dose of Belladonna or Lachesis, or also of hy- drophobine, until the cure is completed. If, at the end of seven or eight days, a small vesicle appears under the tongue, with feverish symptoms, it will be necessary to open it with a lancet or sharp-pointed scissors, and to rinse the mouth with salt and water. If a person is bitten by a dog, suspected of being mad, the animal should not be killed, but, well secured, should be allowed to live, well fed and cared for, until the true state of his system can be found out; if he, after all, has not been a mad dog, the patient's mind is at once set at ease, while, if this had not been ascertained, his mind might never after- ward feel easy. The attendance of a competent physician must be had at FROZEN LIMBS, ETC. 75 once, if possible, but if the raging state has commenced be- fore assistance can be procured for the patient, the following medicines can be administered, one every hour: Bellad., Lachesis; or else again, Canlharides, Hyoscyamus, Mercury, or also Stramon., Veratrum, Hydrophobine. 7. Frozen Limbs, etc. If limbs, ears, fingers, nose, etc., are frost-bitten, rub them with snow, or put them in the coldest water, and then, by de- grees, let the water be warmer, until a natural feeling returns again. If the person is in a state of insensibility from being frozen apparently to death, undress him carefully (cut the clothes off from him) and cover him all over with snow, leaving the mouth and nostrils free. As the snow melts, re- new it. If no snow can be had, put him into a bath of water, cold as ice, in which he may lie from ten to fifteen minutes; afterward, continue to rub with snow, or cover him with bags containing pounded ice. If, in this way, the, body has thawed by degrees, and the rigidity of the muscles relaxed, dry the body carefully, and place it in a cold bed in a cool room, and begin to rub, under the bed-clothes, with the warm hands only, all over. In this way continue for hours. If signs of life appear, inject a little camphor and water; also, put a drop of spirits of camphor on the tongue, from time to time. If the signs of life grow apparent, give warm black coffee (without milk), by injection, and small quantities through the mouth, until he can take more by degrees. If severe pains in the whole body make the sufferer restless, give Carbo veg. (twelve glob, dissolved in half a teacupful of water), every fifteen or twenty minutes a teaspoonful, in alternation with Arsenic, if necessary, until better. The patient must avoid the heat of fire or of a stove for some time. 76 CASUAL DISEASES. II. Poisons. Of the poisonous substances which can be introduced into the system, those are the most deleterious and pernicious which have the readiest facility of assimilation; consequently, the animal poisons rank first, then come the vegetable, and, lastly, the mineral poisons. The animal poisons show their effects immediately on the nervous system, through the blood. The poison of snakes, for instance, while introduced into the stomach, is of no dan- gerous consequence. The vegetable poisons must be carried into the blood by digestion before their effects become danger- ous. The mineral poisons kill only by corroding the surface with which they come in contact, creating inflammation, which has a great tendency to pass quickly over into gangrene or mortification;* their bad effects on the system afterward are more lasting. In cases of poisoning, the first thing to be done is, to eject the poison as soon as possible from the stomach, by provoking vomiting; f or to neutralize its action, by means of suitable antidotes. * This peculiarity of the mineral poisons, to kill only by corrosion of the mucous membranes of the intestines, .renders their use as remedial agents in diseases quite safe and expedient, as they can easily be divested of this poisoning or corroding quality, by reducing their crude bulk (which alone can corrode or inflame) by trituration and subsequent dilution, with- out diminishing in the least the curative effects of these minerals. For instance: one grain of Arsenic, in its crude state, would kill; yet, if tritu- rated with one hundred grains of sugar-of-milk, one grain of this mixture would have lost all corroding or poisonous power, retaining, at the same time, all the curative qunlity, and this in a more developed form. In this way, Homoeopathy can avail itself of all the healing effects of the most deadly poisons, with the greatest ease and safety; while Allopathy stands trembling and in fear before these dreadful agents, not knowing how to tame their useless fury, or to harness these wild medicinal steeds to the car of Esculapius. t That, in such cases, Homoeopathists make use of emetics and other violent means to eject poisons from the stomach, is not a proof that they poisons. 77 To produce vomiting, the following means may be resorted to, in preference to the so-called emetics, which the allopathic bchool has hitherto employed : 1. Tepid water in large quantities and often repeated. 2. Snuff or mustard mixed with salt, on the tongue. 3. Tickling of the throat with a feather or fine straw; or, lastly, 4. Injections of tobacco smoke into the anus through a pipe- stem. To neutralize or mitigate the injurious effects of poison, the following means may be used as each case requires, which will be shown below under the heading of each poison named. 1. While of Egg dissolved in water, and thus drank in large quantities, is of the greatest efficacy in poisoning by metallic substances, particularly Corrosive sublimate, Verdigris, Tin, Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Sulphuric acid, particularly when there are violent pains in the stomach and bowels, with or without diarrhea. In all cases in which the poison imbibed is unknown, the white of an egg is first given when violent pains in the abdo- men are present. 2. Soap (white household soap), one part dissolved in four parts of hot water, is given in all cases where the white of an egg, when indicated, was insufficient. resort to allopathic means, as allopathists, quite sophistically, would make people believe. It only shows that, in cases of this kind, the homoeopathic law can not come into operation until these substances are removed, which act, as it were, as external injuries all the time, while they arc buried in the stomach. In the same way, Surgery might be pronounced insufficient in its doings, because a surgeon can not heal a wound as long as the knife continues to lacerate and even enlarge the wound. It is evident that external injurious substances (and such are all poisons) must be removed, just as a burning coal or a stinging blister, before the injuries done to the system can be repaired by the proper homoeopathic agents; and this is done by Homoeopathy more safely and quickly than by Allopathy, as the knowledge of antidotes is further advanced by the for- mer, which is of the utmost importance in curing the after-effects of the poison. 78 CASUAL DISEASES. In cases of poisoning by alkaline substances, it must be omitted as injurious. 3. Vinegar (made from wine or cider) diluted with water, as a draught or in injections, alternately with slimy things, is the principal remedy against alkaline substances, but is very injurious in cases of poisoning by minerals (the very opposite of soap-water). 4. Sugar, diluted and given in water, can be administered in cases of poisoning by mineral, as well as alkaline substances, and is, therefore, one of the most valuable remedies in do- mestic practice, as it can be most easily procured. 5. Milk and Olive oil are substances not so well calculated to envelop poisons in the stomach, as slimy, mucilaginous drinks, made of pearled barley, linseed, or rice; yet they may be used with advantage against alkaline substances, and cor- rosive acids, such as Nitric and Sulphuric acid. 6. Mucilaginous drinks, in draughts and injections, are very useful against alkaline poisons, particularly in alterna- tion with vinegar. They are made of barley, rice, linseed, farina. 7. Coffee—strong black coffee—taken very warm, is the principal remedy for all narcotic poisons, such as Opium, Nux vomica, Belladonna, Stramonium (Jamestown weed). 8. Camphor is principally efficacious against all vegetable poisons of an acrid, corrosive nature; also against Cantharides (Spanish fly). The following table shows the proper and successive appli- cation of the above named remedies in cases of poisoning with the different substances alluded to. table of antidotes. 79 Table of Antidotes to the most Powerful Poisons. POISONS. I. ANIMAL POISONS. «. Canlharides (Spanish fly) ... b. Poisonous fish, clams, muscles, etc. c. Poison of fat in half putrefied meat (Sebacic acid), as it appears, often in cheese, sausages, etc. II. VEGETABLE POISONS, in general. a. Opium (Laudanum, Seeds of Pop- py,) Stramonium (Gymson weed), Nux vom., Tobacco, b. Gamboge, Euphorbia, and all other burning, corrosive vegetable sub- stances which produce violent pains, c. Sumach (Poison vine)............... d. Camphor and Saffron............... c. Spirits of Turpentine ............... III. MINERAL POISONS. a. Acids—Pi-ussic or mineral acids, Sulphuric, Muriatic, Nitric, Phos- phoric acid, b. Alkaxine Substances — Pot and Pearl ashes, Lapis infernalis, S'dt, and OU of tartar, ANTIDOTES. Camphor, internally or by smelling, externally, use white of eggs and gruels. Charcoal, Sugar and water, Black cof- fee, Camphor.—For eruptions and swelling of the face, Bellad., Rhus. Vinegar and water, internally and externally as a gargle, Lemon juice, Black coffee, Black tea. For the remaining symptoms, Bryonia, Phosphoric Acid, Creosote. Require mostly Camphor, by smell- ing, and Black coffee in a drink. Narcotics, require particularly Black coffee and Vinegar, diluted with water. Require mostly Soap-water and Milk. No external application, but, inter- nally, Bellad., Bryon., Rhus. Black coffee, until the patient vom- its ; afterward, Opium. Opium, Bellad., Bryon. Spirits of Hartshorn. Tepid Soapsuds; Magnesia; Chalk, powdered and mixed with water; Wood ashes mixed with water. Potash or Soda. Vinegar, Lemon-juice, and other acids: sour milk, mucilaginous drinks and injections. 80 CASUAL DISEASES. POISONS. c. Metallic SuBSTANCES-^rsemc, Corrosive Sublimate, Copper, Verdi- gris, Lead ....................................... Lunar Caustic............................. Tin ..............».......................... ANTIDOTES. Soapsuds; white of eggs with water; Sugar water; Milk; Rust of Iron. White of eggs in water; Sugar water; Milk; Starch from Wheat flour. Epsom salt; Glauber salt. Common salt, dissolved in water. Sugar, white of eggs, and milk. III. Medicinal Diseases. The abuse of medicines, prescribed often by allopathic physicians, and taken in large quantities, for a long time, produces, frequently, artificial diseases, well known under the name, " Medicinal Diseases." The most obstinate and dele- terious of these maladies are those produced by vegetable drugs, as their quick and ready assimilation in the stomach, is far greater than that of minerals. From this it is evident how foolish or deceptive the conduct of those physicians is, who pretend to use in their practice only "vegetable medi- cines," as if this kingdom of nature did not contain the most noxious and violent poisons. In the following table, the drugs are put together with their antidotes, which may be given as the indications men- tioned may require. In administering them, it must be un- derstood, that all these cases are more of a chronic nature; consequently, the repetition of doses is not required to be made so often, say from half a day to two, three, or more days, until improvement takes place, or another remedy has to be selected. Medicinal diseases are not so easily cured as natural ones, because the reactive force of nature (so important in the treatment of diseases in general) can not altogether be relied on in cases of this kind. DRUGS—REMEDIES. 81 List of Drugs causing Diseases, and their Remedies. 1. Opium, Laudanun, Paregoric. 2. Mercury, Cblotncl. 3. Quinine, Peruvian bark. 4. Sulphur. 5. Magnesia. 6. Arsenic. (Fowler's solution.) 7. Lead (used in oint- ments and in washes, as sugar-of-lead water, etc.) 8. Iodine. 9. Rhubarb. 10. Chamomile. 11. Cantharides (Spanish %•) 12. Asafcetida. REMEDIES. Coffea, Ipecac., Bella., Nux vomica, Mercury, Hepar sulph., Nitric acid. Against salivation and sore mouth; Hepar, Nitric acid, Carbo veg., Sulphur. Against ulcers in the throat; Carbo veg., Nitric acid, Bellad., Lachesis, Sulphur. Against nervous weakness; China, Hepar, la- chesis. Against nervous excitability; Chamomile, Pulsa- tilla, Carbo veg. Against sensitiveness to changes of the weather; Carbo veg., China. Against rheumatic pains, Neuralgia; Carbo veg., China, Lachesis, Sulphur. Against ulcerations and swellings of glands, Bu- boes; Carbo veg., Hepar, Lachesis, Nitric acid, Sulph., Thuja. Against dropsical affections; China, Dulcamara, Hellebor., Sulph. Against rheumatic pains ; Am., Puis.—Dropsical swellings; Arsenic, Ferrum.—Congestions to the head and bowels; Bellad., Mercury.—Fever, intermittent; Ipecac, Pulsat., Carbo veg., Ar- senic, Natr. mur. Puis., Merc, Chin., Sep. Colocynth, Ars., Rheum., Puis. China, Ferrum, Ipecac, Verat., Nux vom. Opium, Bellad., Platina, Nux vom. Bell., Phos., Hep., Spong., Chin., Ars. Chamomile, Colocynth, Mercury. Aconite, Ignatia, Pulsat. x Camphor, Aconite, Pulsat. China, Mercury, Pulsat., Caustic. CHAPTER III. CUTANEOUS DISEASES. The skin, as the external covering of the whole body, is, on account of its exposure and extent, liable to many and various diseases—from the slightest redness, or rash, to the most inveterate itch and leprosy. The importance of its preservation is, therefore, obvious. We divide the diseases of the skin into, 1. Acute Eruptions, Eruptive Fevers, etc. 2. Chronic Eruptions and Ulcers. 1. Eruptive Fevers. Rash. Diagnosis.—Frequently,, after taking cold, particularly with a disordered stomach, persons are troubled with a rash on different parts of the body, which appears in red spots, of the size of a pin-head, scarcely visible; however, more so in a warm bed; with intolerable itching, particularly at night, preceded by shivering toward evening, disturbed sleep, and followed by feverishness during the night. In such cases, the common practice heretofore has been, and is yet, where Homoeopathy is not known, to put scorched flour on the parts affected. This is not, however, without danger, and ought not to be resorted to immediately. It would be better first to give some of the following remedies, whioh will relieve, without driving the disease to internal parts. (82) NETTLE-RASH—HIVES. 83 Treatment.—If the itching is intolerable, with either shivering or heat, restlessness, sleeplessness, give Chamom. every hour one dose (four glob.). If not better within two or three hours, give Apis met., every two hours a dose (four glob.) If not better next day give Rhus, and Sulphur in alternation, every three hours a dose (four glob.), until ame- lioration takes place. Diet and Regimen.—The diet ought to be very light— farinaceous substances, gruels, toasted bread and toast- Avater—but no meat, or soups of meat. The patient must be kept in a dry, warm room; warm lemonade is recom- mended. Nettle-rash—Hives. ( Urticaria.) Diagnosis.—A disease similar to the former in origin and appearance, only that the red spots, with a whitish tinge, appear in groups, somewhat elevated, and itch and prick in- tolerably. Sometimes the body is covered with these spots, and then the patient feels sick, has no appetite, with a feeling of fullness in the pit of the stomach. There exist several varieties of this disease, so well known under the above name of nettle-rash. They are, however, all distinguished by an eruption on the skin, similar to that caused by the contact of nettles; hence the name. Accompanied with violent itching and burning, ele- vations appear on the surface of the skin, which are of a round form and whitish yellow color; the skin itself as- sumes, in these places, a firm texture; these spots are sur- rounded by a halo of reddish hue. The patient complains, beside, of headache, bitter taste in the mouth, coated tongue, nausea, and vomiting; sometimes feverish symptoms appear, preceded by chilliness; this is particularly the case in that form of nettle-rash which is caused by indigestion, errors of diet, and exposure to cold. The patients feel relieved of the gastric and febrile symptoms after the eruption has made its appearance, which frequently is facilitated by vomiting or perspiration. 84 CUTANEOUS DISEASES. Some persons have a constitutional predisposition for this disease, in as far as they will invariably be attacked by it after eating certain articles of diet; for instance—shell- fish, cucumbers, mushrooms, crabs, clams, strawberries, etc. Others are inclined to it because they have naturally a tender, irritable skin; elderly females, particularly those who in early age suffered much from rheumatism, have a great tendency to it. The duration of this disease varies from one to four and seven days; it is sometimes transient, the eruption vanish- ing quickly; very often it re-appears, and becomes very troublesome. The disease is, generally, not dangerous in its results, and yields readily to the appropriate remedies. This disease frequently appears during an epidemic of Erysipelas, particularly in the hot summer months ; in such cases fever is present, preceded by gastric—bilious symptoms, pains in the limbs and arms, headache, drowsiness, sense of ■fatigue, etc., the patient sometimes even becomes delirious, before the eruption appears, after which, however, soon all these alarming symptoms leave. This form of urticaria, generally, soon disappears, on the cessation of the fever. Treatment.—When caused by indigestion, particularly from rich and fat food, give Pidsatilla, morning and evening (four glob.). When caused by taking cold, and accompanied Avith diarrhea, bitter taste in the mouth, and slimy coated tongue, give Antimon. crud. alternately Avith Dulcamara (four glob.). When caused by taking cold in damp, wet Aveather, exhibiting itself Avith pains in the limbs, shivering, and headache, give Bryonia and Rhus, alternately, every three or four hours a dose (four glob.), followed, in twenty-four hours, by a dose (four glob.) of Sulphur, if necessary. If not better the third day, give, evening and morning, a dose (four glob.) of Apis met. When these remedies are of no avail, or there is a burning sensation, Avith itching, great restlessness, and even an uneasy feeling, give two doses of erysipelas. 85 ' Arsenic, in alternation Avith Apis mellifica, and, the next day, of a solution of Urtica urens (one drop in six table- spoonfuls of Avater), every three hours a teaspoonful. Sometimes this rash strikes in suddenly, Avhen the patient feels oppressed, sick at the stomach, and Aveak. In such a case, give immediately, Ipecac, (four glob.); in an hour afterward, Bryonia (four glob.), and after that, in two hours, if not better, Arsenic (four glob.). At the same time, cover the patient Avell, to produce perspiration, Avhich will also be promoted by Avarm drinks, particularly warm lemonade, if he has no diarrhea at the time. If a person is troubled Avith this disease for a longer time than common, or liable to it on the slightest occasions, let him take Cedcarea, every four days a dose (four glob.) in the evening, and, if not better, in four or six Aveeks, Lyco- podium, Sulphur, Carb