S%^xSg§^>*>§ ^OfuMu > j ^iHift ^^j ..:>., »&U.p}jSKJ - iififflj lillll "^ssSmI wShvj ' *k& •fill i' X gj ^^^p» 1 ~;-i MM&ffl m&sM yUaesimund 'Banriinq yanos Library NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE Bethesda, Maryland Gift of The National Center for Homeopathy LIBRARY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR HOMOEOPATHY WILLIAM RADDE, IMPORTER, BOOKSELLER & PUBLISHER, 322 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. Importation of books, English and foreign, for colleges, public and private libraries, etc., etc., etc. SINGLE BOOKS IMPORTED TO ORDER. W. R. would invite attention to his facilities for pro- curing English and Foreign Books for Colleges, Public and Private Libraries, Booksellers, and the Public gene- rally, on at least as good terms, and with greater de- spatch than they have ever before been imported into this country by any other establishment. Books for Incorporated Institutions pay no duty. All the German Journals, Monthlies, Quarterlies and newspapers, received regularly by the steamers for sub- scribers, and the principal periodicals. 2 William Radde. Publisher, 322 Broadway. JUST PUBLISHED. HYDRIATICS, OR MANUAL OF THE WATER CURE, Especially as practised by Vincent Priessnitz, in Graef* fenberg ; compiled and translated from the writings of Charles Munde, Dr. Oertel, Dr. B. Hirschel, and other eye-witnesses and practitioners. By Francis Graeter. Retail price one dollar. Neatly bound. This little neatly printed volume contains an expo- sition, in what manner and which cases this simple agent has been found remedial. It has recently been revived, and is entitled to deserved credit; its use has become the fashion of the day among the higher classes of society in Germany and France, benefitting them in cases pronounced sometimes incurable by practitioners of medicine. ENCHIRIDION MEDICUM, OR MANUAL OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. THE RESULT OP FIFTY YEARS' EXPERIENCE. By C W. Hdfeland, M. D., Counsellor of State, Physician in ordinary to the late King of Prussia, Professor in the University of Berlin. From the Sixth German Edition. Translated by C. Bruch- hausen, M. D. Revised by Robert Nelson, M. D. Price $3 full bound. This late work has met in its rapid and extensive circulation in his own country with no more than its just claims to regard. As a body of the Practice of Physic, it abounds in facts and principles of substantial value, the result of close observation, patient discrimi- nation, and sound judgment: its excellence is such as could have been secured only by long experience and freedom from the restraints of scholastic authoritv. William Radde, Publisher, 322 Broadway. 3 Hufeland is eminently an eclectic philosopher, competent to discharge the responsible trust with impartiality and ability, arising from the vast stores of his clinical knowledge, and the exercise of a mind of great self- reliance. ORG ANON OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE, By Samuel Hahnemann. Second American from the British translation of the fourth German Edition. With improvements and additions from the fifth, by the North American Academy of the Homoeopathic Healing Art, NewYork, 1843.—Price, bound, $1. JAFIR'S NEW MANUAL OF HOMOSOPATHIC PRACTICE, Edited with Annotations, by A. Gerald Hull, M. D., from the third Paris edition. This is the second American edition of a very cele- brated work, written in French, by the eminent Homoeo- pathic Professor Jahr, and it is considered the best practical compendium of this extraordinary science that has yet been composed. After a very judicious and instructive introduction, the work presents a table of the Homoeopathic medicine, with their names in Latin, English, and German ; the order in which they are to be studied, with their most important distinctions, and clinical illustrations of their symptoms and effects upon the various organs and functions of the human system. —The second volume embraces an elaborate analysis of the indications in disease, of the medicines adapted to cure, with a complete index, and a glossary of the technics used in the work, arranged so luminously as to form an admirable guide to every medical student. The whole system is here displayed with a modesty of pre- tension, and a scrupulosity in statement well calculated to bespeak candid investigation. This laborious work 4 William Rddde, Publisher, 322 Broadway. is indispensable to the students and practitioners of Homoeopathy, and highly interesting to medical and scientific men of all classes. Price in paper $6, full bound $1. THE HOMCEOPATHIC EXAMINER, By A. Gerald Hull, M. D., 2 vols, 1840 and 1841. $10. THE FAMILY GUIDE TO THE ADMINIS- TRATION OF HOMCEOPATHIC RE Mi: DIES. Third edition, after the second London edition, with additions. Retail price twenty-five cents. 15* WM. RADDE, No. 322 Broadway, New York, General Agent for the Central Homoeopathic Pharmacy at Leipsic, for the United States, respectfully informs the Homoeopathic Physicians and the friends of the system, that he has always on hand a good assortment of HOMCEOPATHIC MEDICINES, in Tinctures, Dilutions and Triturations; also Pocket Cases of Medi- cines ; Physicians' and Family Medicine Chests ; Refined Sugar of Milk, pure Globules, &c.; as well as Books, Pamphlets, and Standard Works on the System, in the English, French and German languages. Dean, Printer, 2 Ann Street. OBWfeY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR HOMOEOPATHY HOMCEOPATHIC DOMESTIC MEDICINE. BY J. LAURIE, M. D. EDITED WITH ADDITIONS BY A. GERALD HULL, M. D. NEW YORK: WILLIAM RADDE, 322 BROADWAY. 1843. LIBRARY AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR HOMOEOPATHY Entered According to the Act of Congress, in the year 1843, by c h a s. g. n e A N, (n the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. DEAN, PRINTER, ANN STREET. cy -d-iwJL -t-jyt w adja:Mii.) ■/ StAA-i. Jyru9^.^yL ytfi ^JLp ^l^V X lASptx^y ■^4 Al^^ ■ n^lM/ii-d ay sty y!r A;'-J Utjry»A* S^Ua sr^'jyfc? PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. Dr. Hering's Domestic Physician being en- tirely out of print, and the demand for a work of the kind in all parts of this country being very urgent, induced us to reprint the excellent little treatise of Dr. Laurie, of London. We have taken the liberty to strike out the doses designated by the author, because the medicines to be had here are chiefly sold in tinc- tures and triturations ; and because we deem it safer to rely on the aqueous dilutions from the tinctures of the wet medicines, and upon reliable triturations of the dry ones, than upon the higher dilutions, prepared according to Hahnemann's rules; at any rate this is the safer and surer course, so long as we must depend for these glo- bules on the apothecaries of foreign countries, known to us only by name. Families who have no Homoeopathic physician can use the remedies in the following manner :— 1. The wet ones. Put one drop of the tinc- ture, or three or four drops of the first dilution, into a tumbler full of pure rain water, (or spring water, if very pure,) and give of this solution a tcaspoonful for a dose, which is to be repeated according to the rules laid down by Dr. Laurie in the text. The dose may be increased to a dessert or tablespoon, or even more, if the pa- IV EDITOR'S PREFACE. tient be of a strong bodily constitution, and espe- cially if he be of an insusceptible temperament. 2. The powdered remedies : the dose is one or two grains, according to the strength and suscep- tibility of the patient; and this quantity is to be mixed with twice or three times as much pow- dered sugar of milk, or even of common sugar, and folded up in a paper for half an hour or longer, if practicable, before being given. A grain is about as much as will lie on the point of an ordinary pen knife blade. In cases of doubt, as to which of two or three remedies, named in this book in any given case, ought to be applied, we recommend a resort to Jahr,s Manual of Homoeopathic Practice. Turn to the Clinical Chapter (always in vol. 2,) which precedes the tabular exposition of the effects of the medicines upon the part affected in the case, and find the disease under which the patient is labouring; this chapter alone will often contain the desired information. But if it do not, the table following the clinical chapter must be stud- ied ; and if this do not suffice to determine the choice satisfactorily, the notices of the remedies in question contained in the 1st volume maybe read. This process will be as far as the domestic prescriber can go, and for the class of cases which should be treated in domestic practice it will generally be found sufficient. The American Editor has taken the liberty to substitute for Dr. Laurie's text on Convulsions a paper on this important subject from his own pen. 496 Broadway, June, 1848. PREFACE. ^"presenting this little work to the public, the Author may be allowed to state, as briefly as possible, the motives that have led him to the undertaking. Of these, the principal are, the present paucity of Homoeopathic practitioners ; the refutation, by a plain statement of the treatment of acute disease, of the too prevalent idea, that Homoeopathy is available only in Chronic affections ; and the hope that this work may, under proper restrictions, prove of service in cases of ordinary derangement, or where the advice of a Ho- mceopathic physician is unattainable ; and by assisting in the selection of the proper remedy, save many from having recourse to Allopathic modes of relief, such as aperients, &c, which are so calculated to undermine the strongest constitutions, and convert trifling affec- tions into permanent maladies. From the first mentioned motive, (the present want of Homoeopathic practitioners,) the Author has found himself compelled to include many acute diseases, which fall more particularly within the province of the physician ; in so doing, he has given a range of treat- ment that will meet a great variety of cases, and in almost all, so far obviate immediate danger, and place the malady in such a position, as to give time, when imperatively necessary, for seeking suitable advice. In cases that require prompt and decided measures, VI PREFACE. such as " Convulsions," " Croup," &c, the treatment has been pretty fully gone into. In others, such as "Inflammation of the Brain and Lungs," the course to be pursued to ward off all immediate danger, has been briefly, but it is to be hoped, clearly pointed out. Other acute or dangerous maladies, such as " Puerperal Fever," "Phlegmasia Alba Dolens," (puerperal tumid leg,) Epilepsy, Cancer, &c., have been either slightly glanced at, or wholly omitted ; convinced, that to do justice to their several treatments, would carry the work far beyond its intended limits and purpose, and that an imperfect sketch would be rather productive of injury than benefit. In many instances, Domestic Medicines do con- siderably mOre harm than good, by inducing individuals to rely too fully upon their own resources, and to omit having recourse to those who have made the diseases of mankind their peculiar study; but still greater injury resuJts/rom an ill regulated perusal of elaborately written medical works, which require the previous edu- cation of the physician fully to comprehend, and his prac- tical experience properly to apply. To the Student, still at the threshold of our science, to", the Allopathist, willing by fair experiment to put the system to the test, it is hoped that this little work may prove peculiarly valuable. It may be here remarked, that the beautiful sim- plicity and harmonious uniformity of the Homoeopathic system, conjoined with its invariable rule of adminis- tering only one medicinal substance at a time, have misled many into the idea, that it is so much easier of practice than the old system, as scarcely to require the qualification of a medical education ; acting upon these false premises, many amateurs, after having studied a few of the leading medicines, although wholly destitute of other physiological or pathological knowl- edge, imagine themselves qualified to prescribe for every variety of ailments, and their presumption is generally in exact ratio with their ignorance. No PREFACE. VH doubt, from the inherent excellence of the system, some of those zealeus individuals have cured diseases that have defied the Allopathic mode ; but generally, from the absence of a medical education, and of a perfect knowledge of the Materia Medica, by a cir- cuitous route ; whereas the practised mind of the phy- sician, frequently detecting the nature of the disease, by the administration of a specific remedy directs the vital energies into their proper channel, and by so doing, saves the patient from a course of needless suffering. If such be the case in Chronic, how much more so in Acute diseases; such, it is evident, no individual, not fully competent, should take upon himself the serious responsibility of treating, unless coerced by an imperious necessity, and then with the closest atten- tion to, and most minute observance of the symptoms. Under such conditions, the Author hopes that this work may prove useful; and when the symptoms are perfectly in accordance with those given under the different medicines, the administration of the latter will be always marked with decided benefit. In conclusion, it may be observed, that from the unfair impressions of the science, that have been so industriously propagated, Homoeopathy has been too frequently treated as a species of charlatanism, to which people resort only, when every other mode of promised relief has utterly failed. After enduring with patience a long and ineffectual treatment under the old system, they feel disappointed if Homoeopathy does not work an immediate cure; nay, in acute diseases, when danger appears to threaten, some individuals fall back upon Allopathic measures, and undo all that the Ho- moeopathist has effected ; perhaps again seeking his assistance, when the mischief has been rendered irremediable by their own fatuity. Others, who have seen members of their families (whose diseases were beyond the power of medicine,) die during Homoeo- pathic treatment, reproach the science with failure; whereas, their minds would have felt perfectly satisfied, Vlll PREFACF. had such a misfortune occurred under the old system ; forgetting that, in many instances, the patient only sought Homoeopathy as a last resource, in cases where the affection was of its own nature incurable, or had been rendered so by a long course of improper treat- ment. What Homoeopathy stands upon, is the simple fact of success in thousands of cases, in which every other mode has signally failed—upon the firm and irrefra- gable basis of a multitude of unimpeachable and incon- trovertible'proofs. 12 Lower Berkeley Street, Portman Square, December, 1841. INDEX. INTRODUCTION. Regimen, Clothing and Habits Administration and Repetition of the Medicines . Of the Medicaments Psora and Anti-psorics . INDEX TO PART I. Acidity of the Stomach (see Indigestion) Bilious Complaints Boils .... Bowels, Inflammation of , Bowels, Looseness of (see Diarrhoea) Brain, Inflammation of Bruises Burns Catarrh Chicken Pox Chilblains . Cholera Morbus Cholera, Asiatic Cold in the Head Colic Constipation Corns Cough (see Catarrh) Cramps in the Stomach (see Indigestion) Croup . Diarrhoea . Ear ache .... Erysipelas Eyes, Acute Inflammation of Eyes, Affections of (see Indi gestion) Face, Pale, Sallow or Flushed (see Indigestion) Flatulence (see ibid) Gout..... Page Headache, Dyspeptic (see In- digestion) Heartburn (see ibid) Hemorrhoids Hiccough (see Indigestion) Hoarseness (see Catarrh) Hooping Cough Hydrophobia Indigestion or Dyspepsia Influenza . Jaundice . Liver Complaint Liver, Acute Inflammation of 51 78 108 38 73 64 42 44 Liver, Chronic Inflammation of 47 103 Lumbago . Lungs, Inflammation of Measles .... 11 84 Miliary Fever ... 24 105 Nettle Rash ... 26 107 Protrusion of the Intestine 62 Quinsy (see Sore Throat) 23 Rheumatism ... 100 90 Scalds (see Bums) 60 Scarlet Fever ... 9 63 Sea Sickness ... 107 72 Small Pox . , . 17 53 Sore Throat ... 32 4b Sprains ... 105 97 Tongue Foul (see Indigestion) Toothache ... 28 Water in the Head . . 87 Whitlow ... 97 74' Worms ... 65 Wounds 106 INDEX TO PART II. Treatment of Females. Chlorosis ... 121 Catamenia, Irregularities of 133 Observations on Pregnancy 124 Air and Exercise . • 127 Clothing ... 129 Page Diet during Pregnancy . 131 Employment of the Mind, and Habits during Pregnancy 132 Influence of External Objects on the Unborn Infant . Mental Emotions Despondency Diseases of Pregnancy. Menstruation during Preg- nancy Morning Sickness . Constipation during Preg- nancy Fainting and Hysteric Fits 137 138 139 139 Toothache during Pregnancy 140 Swelled Veins or Varices 141 Miscarriage . . . 142 Treatment before Partu- rition. Breasts, Preparation of . 149 Remedies before Labour 150 False Pains ; 151 Parturition and Labour Pains 153 Spasmodic Pains, Cramps, and Convulsions . . 156 Treatment after Delivery After Pains ... 159 Duration of Confinement 160 Diarrhoea of Lying in Women 161 Milk, Suppression or exces- sive Secretion of . . 162 Perspiration- after Delivery, Suppression or excessive Secretion of . , .. 163 Lochial Discharge, Irregular- ities of ... 164 Abdominal Deformity . 166 Hair, Falling off of . . 167 Leucorrhoea after Parturition 167 Internal Uterine Swelling and Prolapsus ... 168 Weakness after Delivery 169 Milk Fever ... 169 Obstacles to Suckling. Disinclination of the Infant 171 Excoriation of the Nipples 172 Inflammation of the Breasts 173 Mental Emotions affecting the Milk ... 175 Deficiency of Milk . . 176 Deterioration and Discolor- ation of Milk . . 176 Mothers not Suckling their Children r 177 Treatment of Infants. After Birth ... 179 Umbilical Hernia . . 180 Swelling of the Head . 181 Expulsion of the Meconium 181 Suckling of the Infant . 183 Choice of a Nurse . . 185 Diet during Nursing . 186 Diet, Supplementary, of In- fants . . . 187 Duration of Suckling, and Weaning . ■ . 190 Sleep .... 191 Exercise .... 195 Diseases of Infancy. Inflammation of the Eyes 198 Hiccough . . . 199 Cold in the Head . . 199 Crying and Wakefulness 201 Regurgitation of Milk . 203 Milk Crusts . . . 203 Thrush or Aphthae . . 204 Excoriation . . . 206 Jaundice . . • 207 Derangement during Teeth- ' 'g- .... 207 Convulsions . . . 210 Asthma of Millar . . 226 Vaccination . . . 229 Vaccination and re-vaccina- tion .... 23ti TABULAR INDEX OF THE MEDICINES. Acidum Phosphoricum, 161, 174. Acidum Nitricum, 169. Alumina, 141. Acidum Sulphuricum, 105, 206. - Aconite, 11, 12, 15, 17, 20, 21, 25, 27, 31, 33, 45, 51, 57, 67, 69, 74, 76, 79, 83,88, 91, 95, 99, 101, i03, 106, 107, 124, 136, 140,153,162,163, 165, 169, 170, 198, 204, 226, 228. Antimonium Crudum, 161, 203. ^_ Arnica, 82, 92, 95, 97, 175,181, 225. — Arsenicum, 21, 52 62, 73, 106, 108, 135, 142, 206, 228. - Belladonna, 11, 12, 13, 16, 21, 24, 25, 28, 34, 45, 52, 54, 70, 74, 86, 89, 92. 94, 95. 96, 103, 112, 134, 140, 142, 147, 154, 156, 165, 171, 174, 177, 204, 209, 218, 219, 220, 221. — Bryonia, 16,20,25,27,31, 40,45,49,81,84,88,94, 100, 101, 103,123, 135, 136, 139, 152, 159, 165, 170, 174, 177, 221. -» Calcarea Carbonica, 136, 141, 147, 162, 163, 165, 167, 173, 176, 177, 198, 199,209. — Carbo Vegetabitis, 142, 167. - Chaniomilla, 21, 25, 28, 29, 36,40, 45, 54, 58, 61,65, 69,73,92,97, 102, 134, 140, 146, 156, 159, 199, 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 20U, 219, 220. Cina, 67, 80, 87, 171, 176, 220, 224. — Cinchona, 42, 52, 59, 62, 64, 74, 90, 106, 140, 147, 160, 169. Cocculus,55,108, 137, 157. Coffea Cruda, 12, 20, 25, 31, 56, 153, 157, 159, 169, 202, 209, 223. Colocynth, 55, 61. Crocus, 147,160, 165. Cantharides, 115. Cicuta Virosa, 156. Carbo Animalis, 165. Caus-ticum, 176, 198. Cuprum Metallicum, 52, 63, 81, 157. Digitalis, 90. Dulcamara, 27, 32, 58,69, 92, 123, 152, 164, 165, 175. Drosera,80, 81. Euphrasia, 90, 207. Ferrum Metallicum, 147: .- Graphites, 173, 175, 206. Hepar Sulphuris, 36, 48, 71, 77, 95, 98,106, 175, 204. Hyoscyamus, 71, 86, 114, 147,156, 224. Ignatia, 32, 36,42, 52, 70, 91,134,140, 156, 206,219, 223, 225. — Ipecacuanha, 12, 21, 25, 40, 62,86, 108, 138, 146,157, 203, 223, 228. Kali Carbonicum, 169. Xii TABULAR INDEX OF THE MEDICINES. Lachesis, 36, 77. Lycopodium, 124, 167, 173. Magnesia Carbonica, 141. ~- Mercurius, 11, 21, 24, 28, 2D, 34, 35, 45,52, 59, 64, 67, 73, 74, 88, C2, 95, B8, 102, 104, 106, 176. Mercurius Solubilis, 171, 174, 206. Natrum Muriaticum, 136, 138, 167. - Nux Vomica, 11, 27, 28, 30, 35, 36, 47, 50, 51, 52, 53, 65, 67, 70, 72, 74,80, 510,92, 96, 100, 102, 104, 107, 124, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 142, 146, 152, 153, 159, 164, 1S9, 207, 209, 222. Opium, 21, 49,60, 87, 13:), 154, 159, 165, 221, 225. — Phosphorus, 84, 137, 161. Platina, 50, 124, 137. -- Pulsatilla, 12, 15, 17, 21,28, 30, 35, 50, 54, 60, 62, 71, 72, 80, 91, 92, 94, 5)6, 99,102, 104, 122, 134, 140, 142, 152, 154, 159, 160, 170, 176, 204, 206, 223, 228. Rheum, 59, 161, 202. Rhus Toxicodendron, 94, 98, 102, 104,105,163. Sambucus Niger, 164, 201,227. Secale Cornutum, 145, 154, 165,225. Sepia, 122, 141, 167, 173, — Spongia, 76, 77. Silicea, 98,165, 175, 177. Stramonium, 21, 87, 115, 156, 220, 221, 225. • Sulphur, 21, 25, 28, 31, 42, 47, 50, 52, 59, 67, 68, 97, 98, 123, 160, 175, 204, 205, 222, 230. Tabacum, 108, Tinctura Sulphuris, 167, 173,199, 206. •— Veratrum, 62, 63, 81, 169,180. Zincum, 162. INTRODUCTION. The principal points we have to notice in this part are, the Regimen to be observed under treat- ment—Clothing and Habits—the Administration and Repetition of the Medicines—the Potencies in general use, and the terms Psora and Anti- psorics. REGIMEN. The excellence of the Homoeopathic system of regimen—the first really founded upon a prin- ciple in medicine—has wrested approbation even from our opponents, although at the same time, they disingenuously make use of it as a handle against the science itself, and ascribe the cures effected, to its observance, rather than to the effi- cacy of the medicines. To individuals unacquainted with Homoeopa- thy, the regimen is represented as extremely rigid ; to that assertion, a plain statement of the course to be pursued in general cases, will prove the best refutation ; and it may also be observed, that at first sight the self-denial imposed, seems more stringent than it will prove on being carried into effect, and that many individuals in the Au- thor's own experience have pursued the same 1 2 INTRODUCTION". system of diet, after they have had no further oc- casion for medical assistance, thus continuing from choice what they had begun from necessity. The Homoeopathic regimen consists merely of the avoidance of medicinal and indigestible sub- stances during treatment, both as calculated to interfere with the action of the medicines, and the proper functions of the alimentary system. Con- sequently, among liquids, the proscribed articles are tea, coffee, malt liquors, wine, and stimulants of every description ; cocoa, unspiced chocolate, or in fact any non-medicinal beverage is allow- able. In animal food, pork, young meats ; such as veal, lamb, &c.; and among poultry, ducks and geese had better be avoided, when derangement of the digestive function exists. Beef, mutton, venison, and most descriptions of game are allow- able at discretion. Fish is a wholesome article of diet, and may be partaken of without scruple, with the excep- tion of the oleaginous species, such as eels, salmon, &c, which had better be avoided or used with extreme moderation. Stimulating soups and made dishes, are so evi- dently opposed to Homoeopathic regimen, as scarcely to require further notice. Among vegetables, all of a pungent, aromatic, or medicinal description, are prohibited ; such as onions, garlic, eschalots, asparagus, radishes, horse-radish, celery, parsley, mint, sage, &c; but others free from such qualities, such as potatoes, French beans, green peas, &c, may be used, with the needful precaution of avoiding any particular INTRODUCTION. 3 article of diet, whether of the animal or vegetable kingdom, that may seem to disagree with the in- dividual. Spices, acids, and the ordinary con- diments, such as pepper, mustard, pickles, &c, ought either to be sparingly partaken of, or entirely abstained from, particularly by the dys- peptic. Sub-acid or unripe fruits, are clearly objection- able, and even ripe fruits should be used in ex- treme moderation, and by dyspeptic individuals nof at all;—most fruits possess a laxative property, even when preserved or cooked, and are particu- larly objectionable when in combination with pastry. We may observe that the strawberry should be avoided, from its being well known to possess medicinal properties. During fevers and inflammatory affections, the patient must of course be kept upon a low regi- men ; gruel, barley-water, &c.; a light pudding, with a little weak beef-tea or mutton or chicken broth, should form the whole of the nourishment given. Nature, however, is our best guide, and when she takes away appetite, thereby inti- mates the necessity of not taxing the digestive functions. CLOTHING AND HABITS. Upon the first point it were scarcely worth while entering into any observations, were it not simply to remark upon the impropriety of gar- ments impervious to air, fitting closely to the shape, and the custom of exposing the extremi- ties and chests of young children to the chilling 4 INTRODUCTION. atmosphere of our peculiarly variable cli- mate, under the absurd idea of making them hardy. The evil consequences arising from the check given to perspiration, by the first mentioned practice, are too well known to require any par- ticular comment; but as the other is an error widely prevalent, we considered it our duty to mention it; and feel assured, that if mothers will only reform their system, and clothe their chil- dren in a more rational manner, they will make no slight advance towards the prevention of se- rious affections, not only during childhood, but in after life. As regards habits, we may briefly observe, that a systematic course of life, avoiding late hours, dissipation, over study, anxiety, or other mental emotion, and taking sufficient air and exercise, are the best preservatives of health. Excessive warm or cold bathing are injurious, particularly the former. The idea that sea-bathing is almost universally beneficial, is exceedfcgly erroneous ; there are many constitutions on whom it produces far other than a salutary effect. Medi- cated baths, either natural or artificial, are, it is scarcely necessary to observe, strictly forbidden under Homoeopathy. Bathing the whole frame with a sponge, with cold or scarcely tepid water, and the use of the flesh brush, is by no means opposed to treatment. The use of any medicinal or aromatic sub- stances in the arrangement of the toilet, such as medicated dentrifices, lip-salves, smelling salts, or cosmetics, is detrimental to the action of the medicines, and had therefore better be avoided. INTRODUCTION. 5 The deleterious gas that flowers emit during night, renders their presence in bed-chambers highly reprehensible. ADxMINISTRATION AND REPETITION OF THE MEDICINES. Upon this subject we will offer a few remarks, premising at the same time, that it is almost im- possible to give any general rule that will serve in all cases, much more depending upon the dis- crimination of the administrator, and a careful observance of the symptoms, than routine. In acute diseases, we must, then, carefully watch the symptoms, and when we feel assured we have chosen the proper remedy, if no percep- tible medicinal aggravation or amelioration de- clare itself, but the disease seems to gain ground, we must repeat the medicine. In cases of high inflammatory action, Aconite has sometimes to be repeated every two hours, hour, or even ten minutes. If a medicinal aggravation take place, followed by amelioration, we must let the medicine continue its action, until the amelioration appear to cease, and the disease again make head ; if new symp- toms set in, we must then have recourse to the medicine thereby indicated. Should, however, no perceptible medicinal aggravation take place, but an amelioration follow, we may safely await its approach to its termination, ere we again ad- minister. If new symptoms arise, we must have recourse to the medicines they point out. In chronic and sub-acute cases, we may, when 1* 6 INTRODUCTION'. we feel sure of the medicament being correctly chosen, allow it to continue its action for the space of eight days. The following medicines, however, possess a short-lived action, and may consequently be followed by another, or repeated, if necessary, at less protracted intervals ; the briefness of their action corresponds with the Order in which they are placed ; Aconite, Opium, Rheum, Ipecacuanha, Chamomilla, and Coffea ; of the first we have already spoken; the second may be followed by another remedy in the course of about twelve hours ; to the rest we may, in general cases, allow an action of from one to four days, according to their order. The distinguishing of the medicinal aggrava- tion, from that of the disease, being a point of material consequence, we will here give the pe- culiar characteristics of each. The medicinal aggravation comes on suddenly and without pre- vious amelioration ; the aggravation of the dis- ease more gradually, and frequently following an amelioration. Moreover, in the former, several of the medicinal symptoms, some of which we may meet under the indications for the remedy, and not before remarked, declare themselves. In the SELECTION OF THE REMEDY, it IS not necessary that all the symptoms noted should be present; at the same time taking care, that there are no symptoms not covered by the medicine, or more strongly indicating another. When we find symptoms not covered by a re- medy, which nevertheless appears indicated, we may, with advantage, avail ourselves of the ta- bular index of the medicines, and see if the INTRODUCTION. 7 symptom required to complete the diathesis, is given under the medicament in any other part of the work. In other cases, where different medi- cines are pointed out as useful in an affection, we may make use of the table, and by carefully noting the symptoms given under them elsewhere, thereby be enabled to select the remedy most clearly indicated. OF THE MEDICAMENTS. The high potencies are indicated for chronic, and the low for acute diseases. One of the best rules seems to be, to make use of the high poten- cies when the vital power appears to require stimulating; they may consequently be adminis- tered with great advantage, to very young chil- dren or aged individuals. The low are particu- larly serviceable when we have to contend with a. material cause. The physician, however, for many reasons of his own, may choose to vary his potency, to change from a high to a low, or vice versa. We may, however, hope that the mode we have laid ■down will apply in general cases, and when the medicine has been judiciously selected, always with the highest success. PSORA AND ANTI-PSORICS. As we have frequent occasion, in the course ■of this work, to make use of the word psora, and to point out different affections requiring a course of anti-psorics, we may observe, that we 8 INTRODUCTION. understand by the word, an inherent vice of con- stitution, generally hereditary, evincing itself in several, and called into action in other diseases. Although there are two other virus noted by Hahnemann, which form the source of numerous affections, we shall, nevertheless, content our- selves with classing them under the one general term, which although, strictly speaking, far from correct, will, in a work of this kind, answer every practical purpose. By anti-psorics, we mean medicines particu- larly calculated to combat that virus, or miasm. J. L. THE HOMCEOPATHIC DOMESTIC MEDICINE. PART I. ON THE SYMPTOMS, CHARACTER, DISTINC- TION, AND TREATMENT OF DISEASES. ERUPTIVE FEVERS. SCARLET FEVER. This disease, in its simple generic character, takes its name from the scarlet appearance of the skin, which is of a bright raspberry red colour, or of a hue resembling a boiled lobster, smooth and glossy, upon which the finger being pressed leaves a white imprint, which almost immediately disappears. However, in the present day, we seldom meet with it in this simple form, but more frequently accompanied with sore throat, and sometimes complicated with ulcerated sore throat, delirium, and congestive or severe inflammatory symptoms. 10 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. Scarlatina was formerly confounded with Mea- sles, from the resemblance which the two erup- tions bear to each other at their commencement; but they are easily distinguishable, even without taking into consideration the peculiar appearance of the skin above-mentioned—characteristic of the disease,—by the eruption in Scarlet Fever generally developing itself in forty-eight hours from the commencement of the fever, whereas that of Measles rarely sets in before the third or fifth day. In those rare cases in which it appears in its simple form, Belladonna alone is a sufficient re- medy. We may administer a teaspoonful of this solution every six or even three hours, if the fever run high, lengthening the intervals as it decreases in intensity, only repeating when a cessation of the amelioration takes place. We ought to watch carefully after each administration, for if the fever increase soon after, we may conclude it is a medicinal action, and avoid aggravating it by a repetition of the dose ; with infants we may sub- stitute a higher attenuation. The next form which we shall treat of, is when the Scarlatina becomes a severe and dangerous disease, when the throat is affected, and inflam- matory and high fever or congestive symptoms set in, which, if not properly treated, may assume the malignant type, attended with ulcerated sore throat, extension of the inflammation to the air passages, delirium, &c. It has been always remarked that, the greater the efflorescence, the less the intensity of the other symptoms ; it is when the disease appears SCARLET FEVER. 11 principally to attack the head and throat that it becomes dangerous. Belladonna should be administered as soon as the eruption begins to declare itself, when the throat and tongue become affected with dryness and burning; desire, but complete inability to swallow even drinks, or saliva, with sense of suf- focation ; throat bright red, sometimes excoriated, with white specks, or stringy mucus, or appear- ance like thrush, tonsils swollen, internally and sometimes externally, the tongue of a bright fiery red, sometimes interspersed with dark red patches, generally appearing later in the disease, if at all; also when delirium is present. If the disease have taken a favourable turn, we may allow the Belladonna to continue its action; but if we clearly perceive an appearance of ulcer- ation commencing, with increase of mucus, and swelling of the throat, we must have immediate recourse to Mercurius, unless the ulcers present a livid appearance about the edges, emitting an offensive odour, with excessive thirst or gastric derangements; also if great prostration of strength be present, in which case we may exhibit Ar- senicum, to be followed by Nux Vomica, if it fail to relieve the totality of the symptoms. When the fever assumes a clearly inflamma- tory type, and the pulse runs high, we may ad- minister Aconite, to be repeated according to results ; being guided by the same rules we have above stated, bearing in mind that this medicine is very prompt in its action, and therefore gene- rally requires to be repeated more frequently than Belladonna. When the quickness of pulse and 12 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. other inflammatory febrile symptoms are subdued, and the affection of the throat again appears pro- minent, we may return to Belladonna. Opium may follow the administration of Bella- donna, when there is burning heat of the skin, drowsiness, stupor, stertorous breathing, open mouth, eyes half closed, restlessness with vomit- ing, or convulsions. Pulsatilla, when derangement of the stomach and digestive organs is a prominent symptom, the face pale or red and bloated ; constipation or looseness, especially at night, occasionally with pains in the bowels, and shivering; disposition fretful and sensitive, or melancholy. We frequently find this affection in a compli- cated form, distinguishable from pure Scarlet Fever by the absence of the peculiar hue of the skin, of which we have spoken at the commence- ment. In such cases we may have recourse to the following remedies: Coffea, when the appearance of the skin closely resembles purples, with extreme nervous sensibility to pain, sleeplessness from excitability, disposition to tears, with tossing and restlessness. Aconite, may follow, if Coffea fail to relieve, particularly when a high pulse is present. Ipecacuanha, when there is distressing tight- ness of the chest, and the fever heightens to- wards evening, with symptoms of nausea, or even vomiting ; diarrhoea with colic, face sallow, rest broken and agitated, moaning, and disposition to weep ; particularly if the clear Scarlatina hue is less defined, or the skin is studded with small elevations, perceptible to the eve and touch. scarlet fever. 13 In psoric habits of body, or in instances when the disease has been allopathically treated from the commencement, many troublesome sequelae are left. Against the following, Belladonna is ex- tremely efficacious : puffiness of the face, swell- ing of hands and feet, lingering fever in the even- ing, glandular enlargements, chaps about the mouth, severe head-aches, stammering, &c. Dropsical swelling of the whole body is not an unfrequent sequela, requiring a most careful and discriminating treatment. Scarlet Fever is chiefly dangerous when the latent psoric virus is called into activity, and as- sociates itself with the disease ; in such cases, the Allopathist finds himself baffled by an evil against which he possesses no specific remedy, and the utmost skill of the Homoeopathic practi- tioner is called into play. Such, it is evident, are far beyond the sphere of a work of this na- ture, and were we to enter upon them, we might, with the purest motives, commit irreparable mis- chief by inducing many to attempt the treatment of those dangerous forms of this malady, which fall so immediately within the province of the experienced physician. Belladonna is valuable as a preservative against pure scarlatina, when epidemic, and moreover greatly assists in modifying the character of the disease, in such individuals as do not wholly es- cape its attacks; with children a dose maybe given every week, and with adults or robust children, above ten years of age, every four or five days for three or four weeks, which will generally be found sufficient to obviate any risk ; should the 2 14 ERUPTIVE fevers. disease continue to rage, the treatment may be renewed at the end of about three weeks : if the ruling epidemic be Scarlatina in a complicated form, that is, not possessing the clear Scarlatina hue, we should alternate this medicine with Aconite, allowing the latter an action of about twelve hours, and afterwards proceeding with the Belladonna as before. While taking these medic- aments, the patient must adhere strictly to the Homoeopathic diet, particularly avoiding wine and acids. We must, in administering prophylactics* carefully watch their effects, and if a medicinal action set in, discontinue immediately. MEASLES. This disease generally reigns as an infectious epidemic, and for the most part confines its attack to children, in which case it is seldom, when properly treated, either severe or dangerous ; al- though adults sometimes suffer from its influence, when it generally assumes a more critical char- acter. It rarely attacks an individual a second time. Measles is not so much to be dreaded for itself, as for the deleterious consequences which, under an improper mode of treatment, it frequently en- tails, or to use the technical term, the dregs it leaves after it, in many constitutions developing an inherent disposition to consumption. This malady is ushered in by the symptoms * Prophylactics, medicines taken as preventives of infection. MEASLES. 15 common to fevers, alternate heat and chills, &c, preceding the eruption four or five days, with the distinction of a catarrhal affection, which gene- rally runs its course to the termination of the disease. The eruption in Measles consists of a number of small red spots (frequently papular), the skin in the intervals between them generally preserving its natural colour, and sometimes a faint reddish hue. We often find them in the shape of small irregular arcs ; the eyes of the sufferer are gene- rally red and watery. They for the most part make their first appearance on the face and neck, become confluent, and extend themselves gradu- ally downwards over the rest of the frame. Aconite has been regarded, in some instances, as almost specific against Measles, and in its mild form will frequently be found sufficient, in a few doses, to conquer the disease, or at least ma- terially to shorten its duration ; it is particularly indicated when the fever assumes an inflamma- tory form, attended with dry heat of the skin, heat in the head, with confusion and giddiness, redness of the eyes, intolerance of light, general weak- ness, and prostration. We may administer a dose every twelve, or in severe cases, every eight hours, and continue the treatment till we find an amelioration, should none of the symp- toms, hereafter mentioned, indicate the necessity of having recourse to another remedy. Pulsatilla, is also very efficacious, and even specific in this disease, and is frequently indica- ted in the commencement, from the strong resem- 16 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. blance which some of its pathogenetic* proper- ties bear to the catarrh attendant upon measles, together with the characteristic exacerbation of the symptoms towards evening. As a general rule it may be administered every three days, while the same indications continue, until ame- lioration takes place ; or sometimes in alternation with the Aconite, which may always be considered indicated, when decidedly inflammatory symp- toms set in. Pulsatilla is also valuable when any gastric derangement is present. Belladonna, when the inflammation attacks the throat, presenting many of the throat symp- toms we have given for the medicine under Scarlet Fever, attended with great thirst, which the patient is often prevented from indulging by the acute shooting or pricking pain in the throat produced by swallowing, and further, when there is a hoarse, dry, barking, and somewhat spasmo- dic cough, worse at night, with restlessness and high nervous excitement; also in those cases of Measles where no eruption declares itself, but simply headache and catarrh, with inflammation of the eyes, which present a glassy appearance, are blood-shot or streaked, and watery. Bryonia is an excellent remedy when the lungs and chest seem affected, which discloses itself by shooting pains, increased by respiration and extending themselves between the shoulders. This disease has frequently terminated fatally, from the eruption being driven in by sudden ex- • Pathogenetic symptoms. Those caused by the ac- tion of the medicine upon a healthy individual. SMALL pox. 17 posure to cold or change of temperature ; in such cases, Bryonia, as above, is generally found effi- cacious in re-evolving the eruption, and prevent- ing this disaster ; if diarrhoea, with mucous dis- charge, follow the suppression, Pulsatilla is indicated ; if the vomiting be the more prominent symptom, Ipecacuanha should be substituted. For the treatment of coughs that Measles, not carefully treated, sometimes leave after them, see Coughs. For the diarrhoea remaining under similar cir- cumstances, see Diarrhoea. As a precautionary measure against the attacks of this disease, when epidemic, we may admin- ister Pulsatilla, followed by Aconite three days after; allow the latter medicine to act for twenty-four hours, and continue the alternation for a fortnight, renewing it, when necessary, at the termination of a week or ten days. This treat- ment will frequently be found sufficient in ward- ing off this disease, or, if taken, it will be in an extremely mild form. SMALL POX. This disease is, by pathologists of the present day, divided into two varieties—the distinct, when the pustules on the face are clearly defined, and do not run into one another; the confluent, when they coalesce and form one continuous whole. When the symptoms are less severe than those properly characteristic of the disease, and the eruption on the face slight, it is called the Modi- fied Small Pox. We generally find this descrip- 2* 18 eruptive fevers. tion in such persons as have been properly vacci- nated, which precaution, although not always a preservative from the attacks of variola, greatly lessens its virulence, and gives a milder charac- ter to the complaint when taken. This disease is frequently very sudden in its attacks, commencing with chilliness and shiver- ing, followed by febrile symptoms, with severe pains in the small of the back and loins ; the pa- tient also complains of headache, oppression of the chest, and acute pain in the pit of the sto- mach, increased by pressure. The eruption makes its appearance at the close of the third day, first on the face and hairy scalp, then on the neck, and afterwards spreads over the whole body. Ca- tarrhal symptoms, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, and frequently difficulty of breathing, accompany this disease, commencing when the pustules de- clare themselves, the second or third day from the commencement of the eruption, and also while they are coming out. The eruption first appears in the shape of small hard pointed elevations, which become depressed in the centre as they enlarge, and contain a semi- transparent fluid with inflamed circular margin ; about the sixth day the depression in the centre disappears, from the lymph in the pustule chang- ing into pus. When the pustules have attained their full development, in most instances about the eleventh day, they generally burst, in mild cases emitting an opaque lymph, which dries into a crust and falls off; in severe ones, we find a discharge of puriform matter, forming scabs and sores, which leave, on their healing, permanent SMALL pox. 19 marks or pits. Red stains, caused by increased vascular action, always remain for a while after the eruption ; but if no ulceration has taken place, they disappear in process of time. In Confluent Small Pox, all the precursory symptoms are more severe, the eruptive fever runs its course, the pain in the pit of the stomach, and difficulty of breathing, are more complained of, and in children the eruption is frequently pre- ceded by convulsions and delirium; the latter symptom is frequently present with adults during the suppurative or secondary fever, which gene- rally assumes a typhoid type, and if not properly treated from the commencement, sometimes car- ries off the patient on the eleventh day; indeed, some exceedingly rare cases in which we have a deeply rooted psora to contend against, require the utmost skill of the experienced practitioner to ward off a fatal result. Before we come to the medicines to be admin- istered in the different stages of this disease, we may say a few words upon the treatment of the patient. The room ought to be kept at a moderate tem- perature, not allowing too great a quantity of bed clothes, yet not so low as to impede the proper development of the eruption. When the vesicles declare themselves, and begin to form into pus- tules, the room ought to be kept as dark as possi- ble, to aid in preventing the risk of disfigurement, a precaution deducible from common experience, since we find that the parts of the frame exposed to the action of the light are always those most strongly marked by the ravages of the disease ; 20 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. the exclusion of air seems also to be preventive of injury to the skin, and consequently many phy- sicians have adopted a mask or plaster for the face, of different substances, such as gum muci- lage, calamine, &c.,to effect this desirable object. We have, however, in the general course of prac- tice, found the specific action of the medicines sufficient to obviate all evil consequences of this nature, without requiring to have recourse to the last mentioned precaution. We shall now proceed to the enumeration of the medicines which are generally administered in this disease. In the first stage, that is, when the eruption is coming out, the best medicaments to assist the natural course of the distemper are Coffea and Bryonia. Coffea is valuable in allaying the nervous ex- citability generally present. Aconite may either follow or precede this medicine, when the fever runs high, and threatens visceral congestion, and may be repeated after a short interval, according to the effect produced. Bryonia is especially intended to develope the eruption; also when considerable symptoms of gastric derangement are present, such as bitter taste in the mouth, foulness of the tongue, head- ache, rheumatic pain in the limbs, increased by motion, constipation and irritability of disposition, and is useful in the more advanced stages of the disease, when the pustules have declared them- selves ; also when an inflammatory action of the respiratory organs seems threatened, indicated by occasional shooting pains in the chest, especially SMALL pox. 21 during respiration; it may be preceded or fol- lowed by Aconite, should there be considerable fever, with dry heat of the skin. Belladonna.—This remedy may follow Aco- nite when the latter has been indicated, should symptoms of cerebral disturbance have set in, characterized by flushed countenance, intolerance of the eyes to light, headache and delirium ; to be continued until we have subdued the symptoms, care being taken not to repeat, as long as improve- ment is going on ; and carefully noting the medi- cinal aggravation, if it declare itself, as another sign for a temporary discontinuance. Opium is useful when there are symptoms of stupor or strong inclination to somnolence. Should the gastric symptoms be attended with diarrhoea and severe vomiting, we may administer Ipeca- cuanha. In children, Chamomilla is frequently preferable to Ipecacuanha, and is useful for the convulsions that sometimes set in. Pulsatilla. When there is a gastric de- rangement with nausea, but the vomiting not so severe, and when the symptoms are aggravated towards evening, particularly when the patient is of a mild or phlegmatic temperament. If Ipecacuanha do not succeed, and the vomit- ing increase considerably, with excessive thirst and dryness of the mouth, the tongue very foul and dark, attended with excessive prostration of strength, we may administer Arsenicum. The last symp- tom generally occurs after the maturation of the eruption and secondary fever (when present), in which case we may substitute a higher attenua- tion, which will generally sufficiently restore the 22 eruptive fevers. vital energy, without an injudicious alteration in nutritive diet, or having recourse to wine or tonics. Stramonium is useful when some pustules are already formed, in forwarding the eruption and shortening its duration. During the filling up of the pocks, a secondary or suppurative fever frequently sets in, particu- larly when the pustules are thick and evince a disposition to run into the confluent form ; when, moreover, there is inflammation of the eyes, throat, and nose, with salivation ; having, if called for, first attacked the more prominent febrile symp- toms with Aconite, we should administer on the same day, Mercurius. While the disease is running its course, parti- cularly during the distention of the pustules, should no other remedies be imperatively called for, and also towards the period of their bursting, we may safely administer an occasional dose of Mercurius as above, in the latter case followed by Sulphur, to assist in the desiccation. During the period of desiccation, continual laving with tepid water and bran, and gently dry- ing it afterwards, will be sufficient; cleanliness being then the great requisite, with a careful at- tention to diet. Some physicians, in their treatment of this af- fection, divide it into distinct stages ; we have contented ourselves, when necessary, with slightly referring to them. To the practitioner they are sufficiently well known ; and the non-medical ad- ministrator must be guided by the symptoms that present themselves from time to time, in the se- lection of the remedy, by which mode he is less CHICKEN pock. 23 likely to fall into error, than he might be were he to act by mere routine. Modified Small Pox is merely a mild de- scription of the above, and as we have before said, is the form the disease generally assumes, when it attacks those who have been properly vaccinated. We must regulate our treatment according to the symptoms, being guided in the selection of the remedies, by the indications be- fore given. CHICKEN POCK. This disease bears a considerable resemblance in its external character to small pox, but differs symptomatically, being considerably milder, gene- rally requiring no medical assistance, but merely attention to diet, and but rarely becoming dan- gerous, except when it extends itself to the lungs or brain. When this affection attacks an individual, and small pox is epidemic, which is not unfrequently the case, it is often mistaken for that disorder, but it soon discovers its real character, by the rapidity with which the eruption declares itself; the pustules, (in many instances closely resem- bling those of the small pox,) being generally fully matured by the third day, and the whole eruption disappearing at the end of the fifth, with- out leaving any mark. With regard to the treatment, when fever does exist, we should check it by the administration of Aconite, or Coffea, if there is simply extreme restlessness and anxiety. When cerebral symp- 24 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. toms threaten, Belladonna ; for the indications of this medicine, see Inflammation of the Brain. When attended with convulsions in children, particularly during dentition, see Con- vulsions. Mercurius may be given when the lymph of the pustules becomes converted into pus, as in the small pox, and is also beneficial if strangury be present. In anomalous cases, where other symptoms supervene, more closely resembling Small Pox, we may consult the remedies men- tioned under that disease. MILIARY FEVER. The characteristic eruption of this disease, con- sists of a great number of exceedingly small round transparent vesicles, or points irregularly scatter- ed, of the size of millet seeds, (hence its name,) which, when the hand is passed over the surface, feel as if there were small grains of sand beneath the cuticle. This affection is sometimes idio- pathic, but more frequently associated with fever, and even occasionally present in various chronic diseases, in which latter instance it may generally be considered as an evidence of some internal constitutional taint; it is also not uncommon with women at the period of confinement, arising from the room being kept at too high a temperature— a frequent cause of this malady. This, like other cutaneous affections of the same nature, is gene- rally preceded by febrile symptoms, the eruption appearing on the fifth or sixth day ; previous to the vesicles evolving themselves, there is a tincr- MILIARY FEVER. 25 ling or itching of the skin, occasionally attended with a sensation of burning, together with a numb- ness of the extremities ; the patient complains of a sense of oppression at the chest, sometimes with cough and stitches in the side, and not un- frequently of severe, or fugitive rheumatic pains in the limbs and teeth. The skin is sometimes dry, at others perspires profusely with a sour smell; low spirits are a frequent accompaniment of this affection. With regard to the treatment, in consequence of the numerous diseases with which it is compli- cated, it requires a variety of medicaments. When it appears in a simple and apparently idiopathic form, and is attended with anxiety and restless- ness, which seems to depend upon an accelerated circulation of tire blood, with great internal and external heat, Aconite is a specific remedy, and when the above seem more particularly to arise from high nervous excitability, and the feel- ing of anxiety is less, Coffea is the remedy. Belladonna, when the accelerated circula- tion is attended with considerable determination of blood to the head, and delirium. When the disease is found conjoined with puer- peral or other fevers, and is preceded by oppres- sion, lassitude, anxiety, and a sense of weight about the chest, restlessness, sighing, &c. ; it is generally speedily subdued by a dose or two of Ipecacuanha, repeating the dose in two days if no action of the medicine declare itself; or should the symptoms which precede the eruption be accompanied by constipation, or shooting pains in the chest, Bryonia should be selected. 3 26 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. When this disease comes on in children,brought about by the same cause, viz., excessive warmth, or even errors in diet, attended Avith a greenish, or watery yellowish diarrhoea, we may administer Chamomilla, followed, if no alteration take place, by Sulphur. NETTLE RASH. This eruption is one in many points resembling the stinging of nettles, whence its name. It generally presents the appearance of red eleva- tions of the cuticle, with a white spot in the centre ; sometimes, on the contrary, these emi- nences have a red appearance, but it is easily dis- tinguishable from other eruptions, by the sudden- ness with which it is evolved, disappearing in one place to re-appear in another. This eruption is brought to the surface by various causes, not unfrequently arising from in- digestion, caused by the use of improper articles of food. Before the eruption discloses itself, the patient is affected with restlessness, languor, op- pression, and want of appetite, derangement of the digestive functions, and fever. When the eruption breaks out, the above symptoms become relieved, but considerable suffering arises from heat and itching ; sometimes swelling of the parts affected; this being merely a development of Psora, or, in the words of the Allopathic phy- siologist, arising from a constitutional cause, re- quires for its total eradication, a course of anti- psoric treatment. In acute cases,the remedies found most useful, NETTLE rash. 27 are Dulcamara, Aconite, Nux Vomica, and Bryonia. The first remedy, is almost specific, when there is considerable fever, with bitter taste in the mouth, foul tongue, diarrhoea, pains in the limbs, and extreme itching, with a burning sensation after scratching. Aconite, when the febrile symptoms are more intense, the pulse high, the skin hot and dry, great restlessness and anxiety present. Nox Vomica, when there is considerable gastric derangement, particularly constipation, more especially when arising from wine, stimu- lants, or indigestible substances ; and may, if necessary, follow Aconite in eight or twelve hours after the febrile symptoms are somewhat modified. In this, as in every other cutaneous eruption, great care ought to be taken against driving in the eruption by external applications or lotions ; their sudden suppression, as before noted under Scarlatina and Small Pox, being frequently at- tended with fatal consequences. When, however, from improper treatment, we have reason to dread this having taken place, we should administer Bryonia, which will generally be found suffi- cient to bring back the rash, and prevent further dangerous consequences. 28 DISEASES OF ORGANS CONNECTED WITH THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. TOOTHACHE. When we find a constant disposition to this dis- tressing malady, on the slightest exposure to cold, without any presumable cause, or what is generally called rheumatic toothache, we are warranted in concluding that a psoric virus lurks in the con- stitution, and until means are taken for its eradi- cation, even the remedies most clearly indicated under other circumstances, fail for its relief, or at most, but temporarily alleviate its pains. Another obstacle to the selection of the proper remedy, is the difficulty we find in obtaining from the patient a perfectly clear description of his sensations. We shall, nevertheless, mention a few of the remedies which have proved most efficacious in the relief of toothache, and when the symptoms of the sufferer approximate closely to the indications given for the medicine, they will, in very many cases, afford a prompt relief; among these, Bella- donna, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux Vomica, Pul- satilla, and Sulphur, hold a high rank. The medicine selected may be administered every half hour. Belladonna is particularly indicated when the pains are very severe, of a drawing, tearing, or shooting nature, extending to the face and ears; becoming aggravated in the evening, and TOOTHACHE. 29 especially at night, with gnawing or boring pain in the carious teeth, swelling of the gums and cheeks, dryness of the mouth, with excessive thirst, with, or without salivation ; renewal of the pains from intellectual labour, or after eating; aggra-1 vation of suffering when masticating, also in the open air; congestion to the head, with heat and redness of the face, also pulsation in the head and cheeks. Chamomilla, when there are severe drawing, jerking, pulsative or shooting pains ; heat and redness, especially of one of the cheeks; the pain becomes almost insufferable, especially at night in the warmth of the bed; shooting and pulsative pains in the ear and aide affected, the pains are aggravated by eating or drinking anything hot or cold, but especially the former; great agitation and loss of sense from pain, or excessive weakness, some- times amounting to fainting; great irascibility, and disposition to shed tears during the paroxysms. Chamomilla is useful in cases of toothache which have arisen from abuse of Coffee, in which affec- tion Nux Vomica and Pulsatilla are also valuable, when indicated by the symptoms. Mercurius is particularly indicated when the pains affect carious teeth,or exist in the roots of the teeth, and consist of tearing, shooting pains, occupying the whole side of the head and face, and extending to the ears; loosening of the teeth, and a feeling as if they were too long; the pain becomes almost insupportable towards evening, and especially at night in the warmth of the bed ; aggravated when eating or drinking, par- ticularly after anything cold, also by exposure to 3* 30 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. cold or damp air; swelling and inflammation of the gums; nocturnal perspiration, peevishness, and inclination to tears ; it is especially useful in persons who are subject to glandular swellings. Nux Vomica is useful for persons who are habituated to wine, coffee, or other stimulants, or addicted to sedentary life or study ; of lively or irritable temperament, dark ox florid complexion; sufferings increased by intellectual labour. The pains generally occur in carious teeth, and are of a drawing and jerking or corrosive description, occasionally diffusing themselves to the head and ears, sometimes attended with painful enlarge- ment of the submaxillary glands ; gums swollen and painful, accompanied with throbbing and pul- sation. The toothache is more liable to come at night or on awaking in the morning, sometimes also after dinner or in the open air. Pulsatilla is peculiarly adapted to persons of a mild or phlegmatic disposition. The pains are digging and gnawing, attended with pricking in the gums, extending to the face, head, eye, and ear of the side affected ; this remedy is particularly efficacious in toothache, attended with earache, with paleness of the face, and when the toothache has been excited by taking cold, or where we find shortness and difficulty of breathing; the pains are sometimes of a drawing, tearing, shooting, or jerking description, and occasionally produce a sensation as if the nerve were drawn tight, and then suddenly relaxed ; the pain is much aggra- vated in the evening or after midnight, generally increased by warmth, and when at rest, and miti- gated by cold air or cold applications to the mouth. toothache. 31 Sulph ur. This remedy is particularly valuable in psoric constitutions, with a tendency to consti- pation ; pain, sometimes attended with swelling of the cheek and shooting pains in the ears, conges- tion of blood to the head, and pulsative headache ; the pain is of a tearing, jerking, pulsative descrip- tion, affecting both carious and sound teeth ; pains are aggravated in the evening and at night, or by exposure to the open air, also by the application of cold water or by mastication ; loosening, sen- sation of elongation, and setting on edge of the teeth ; the gums are swollen, attended with pul- sative pains, and bleed easily. Bryonia is also a useful remedy in this affec- tion, particularly with persons of a lively, choleric, and obstinate disposition. Its indications are loosening and sensation of elongation of. the teeth, especially during or after eating ; shooting in the ears, with inclination to he down, pains aggravated by taking anything hot into the mouth, mitigated by lying on the affected side, or exacerbated by the contrary position. Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Coffea, and Ignatia are useful in affections of this nature with children. Aconite. When the pains are difficult of description, attended with great agitation, feverish sensations, blood to the head, heat and redness of the face, and when the pains are described as of a pulsative, throbbing nature. Coffea. Against violent pains with great excitability and almost distraction in adults ; also when the patient is conscious that the excitement is disproportionate to the pain suffered. 32 digestive organs. For Chamomilla we have already given indica- tions ; if it prove insufficient, and the toothache has been caused by a chill, and is attended with diarrhoea, we may substitute Dulcamara. Ignatia is suitable to those cases presenting similar indications to those of Nux Vomica or Pulsatilla, but more particularly applicable to mild or sensitive dispositions, with alternation of high and low spirits. SORE THROAT OR QUINSY. Quinsy is an inflammation of the throat, denoted by swelling and red colour of the back part of the throat, accompanied with difficulty of swallowing, and occasionally fever. In the incipient stage of this affection, there is a sense of constriction about the throat, with a feeling of soreness, and sometimes of obstruction in the act of swallowing the saliva; if it runs its course, the difficulty of swallowing and breathing increases, the tongue swells and becomes foul, the tonsils assume a redder hue, occasionally a num- ber of small yellow eminences appear at the back of the throat and particularly on the tonsils, the patient complains of thirst, and the pulse is high, strong, and frequent; sometimes the cheeks swell and become florid, and the eyes inflamed, and in severe cases delirium is not an unfrequent occur- rence. This affection, occasionally, if not prop- erly treated, dangerous in its simple form, becomes particularly critical when it puts on the putrid type ; in such instances the attendant fever gene- rally assumes a typhoid character; when this sore throat or quinsy. 33 takes place, we may always infer a psoric ten- dency. When this affection is at the commencement attended with considerable fever, thirst, and dry heat, deep redness of the parts affected, painful and difficult deglutition, pricking sensation in the throat, with aggravation of the symptoms when speaking, we should administer one or two doses of Aconite, in a powder, on the tongue, or in water. The next medicament we shall mention, Bella- donna, as may have been observed in the treatment of Scarlatina, Measles, &c, is one of the best remedies we possess against inflammation of the throat. When the above symptoms have been subdued by Aconite, or should the following symp- toms have existed from the commencement, we should have immediate recourse to its adminis- tration. Pain in the throat as if from excoriation, attended with a scraping sensation of enlargement, and burning or shooting pains, principally experienced during the act of swallowing ; these pains some- times°extend to the ears. Other characteristic indications for this remedy are—sense of spas- modic constriction or contraction of the throat, with constant desire to swallow saliva; occasionally there is violent thirst, but a dread of drink from the suffering it occasions. Sometimes a complete inability to drink exists, and the liquid returns by the nostrils. On examination, the throat presents a bright red colour, with or without swelling of the palate, uvula and tonsils. In severer cases this remedy also continues valuable ; namely, when 34 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. matter has gathered in the tonsils, and when we observe small ulcers forming and spreading rapidly, also accumulation of slimy whitish mucus in the throat and on the tongue, obliging the patient to spit frequently ; salivation, swelling of the muscles and glands of the neck, severe headache, chiefly confined to the forehead, sometimes determination of blood to the head, and delirium ; we may exhibit Bella- donna, in two or three doses, at intervals, accord- ing to the effect. This remedy frequently suc- ceeds in speedily removing the whole of the above group of symptoms, or at least, so far subdues them, as to enable Mercurius to complete the cure. Mercurius, frequently valuable at the com- mencement of the disease, when so indicated, or in alternation with Belladonna in troublesome cases, is one of the most valuable remedial agents, following that medicine, when necessary to com- plete the cure. Its indications are violent shooting in the throat and tonsils, especially when swallow- ing ; these pains extend to the ears, and glands before the ears and under the jaw ; inflammatory redness of the affected parts of the throat, burning in the throat, desire to swallow, attended with a sensation of an obstruction existing in the passage; accumulation of thick and tenacious mucus in the throat, difficult deglutition, especially of liquids, which sometimes escape through the nostrils; swelling of the posterior part of the tongue, occa- sional swelling of the gums ; unpleasant taste in the mouth, which is filled with saliva more or less inspissated ; throbbing of, and matter forming in, the tonsils ; ulcers in the throat which look indolent and increase slowly; offensive odour from the SORE THROAT OR QUINSY. 35 mouth, aggravation of symptoms at night, when speaking, and in the evening, chills and shivering, sometimes alternated with heat. Mercurius, after the bursting of the Quinsy, is useful in facilitating the throat's healing. Nux Vomica. This remedy is especially useful when the sore throat appears to arise from or to be accompanied by symptoms of deranged digestion, and when a sense of scraping or excoria- tion exists in the throat, also when a feeling of contraction is experienced in the upper part of the throat during empty deglutition, swelling and elon- gation of the uvula, producing a constant desire to swallow, at times only a sensation of swelling, with pressure and pains ; when cold has been the ex- citing cause, attended with dry cough and head- ache, chiefly in the morning, and pains under the lower ribs during the cough, this remedy is also indicated, likewise when there are small offensive ulcers of the throat, or considerable debility is present; this medicine, in ordinary cases, may be allowed to continue its action for a day or two. Pulsatilla. When there are .symptoms of gastric derangement, and more particularly when a dark livid redness of the throat and tonsils appears, with a sensation of, or sometimes actual, swelling; a feeling of an enlargement of the upper part of the throat, also excoriation and scraping, with dryness of the throat, without thirst, shootin rhoids, or in children, when the diarrhoea is attended with excoriation and papular eruptions, it is particularly efficacious. Pulsatilla is useful in diarrhoea arising from errors of diet, attended with dyspeptic symptoms. Vide Indigestion. Opium, in diarrhoea arising from fright. For other indications, vide Mental Emotions. CHOLERA. By the term Cholera Morbus, was- formerly understood a disease attended with nausea, and griping, purging, and vomiting, generally preva- lent during our summer months, and at the season when fruit was plentiful. But it has now become a generic term, under which are included two varieties—the Cholera Morbus, properly so called, and the Asiatic Cholera. The first named, sometimes called the Sporadic Cholera, generally commences with a sudden feel- ing of nausea and griping, followed by purging and vomiting ; in severe cases, accompanied with coldness of the body, particularly the extremities, and anxious and hurried breathing, excessive thirst, a feeling of cramping in the legs, sometimes in the arms, with spasmodic contractions of the abdominal muscles, shrinking of the features, and a hollow expression about the eyes ; pulse weak, sometimes scarcely perceptible, thin, watery, and foetid, or bilious evacuations, sometimes with dark bilious vomiting. In Asiatic Cholera, the disease generally CHOLERA. 61 commences by vertigo, headache with singing in the ears, a sensation of flatulence in the stomach, with griping pains, and a feeling of weight and oppression in the region of the heart. In some, but not all, cases of Asiatic Cholera, we find the lips, nails, and sometimes the whole skin, of a blue colour, but in almost all the frame loses its power of generating heat; the pulse and pulsation of the heart are almost unfelt, and the circulation of the blood becomes stagnant. Patients who have escaped through the second stage, are frequently carried off by a typhoid fever in the third. In the treatment of Cholera in its sporadic form, [i. e. when the disease arises from occasional causes, such as cold, fatigue, &c.) the following remedies will be found to be the mo3t efficacious : Chamomilla, Colocynth, Ipecacuanha, Veratrum, Arsenicum, Cinchona, Pulsatilla. Chamomilla is chiefly useful at the commence- ment of the disease, and when given on the slightest threatening of an attack, may prevent its development. The following are the symptoms which particularly indicate its employment: acute colic-like pains, or heavy pressure in the region of the navel, sometimes extending to the heart, and producing a sensation as if that organ would be found out of its proper position; diarrhoea, cramps in the calves of the legs, excessive anguish; tongue coated yellow, and sometimes vomiting of acid matter. This remedy is almost specific when the attack has been excited by a fit of passion during the prevalence of the disease. Colocynth is still more appropriate in the 6 62 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. latter-case, when the fit of passion is attended with indignation. Ipecacuanha may be administered after the above, should the attacks of vomiting become more prominent; or it may be selected from the commencement, should vomiting predominate, or at least assume as marked a character in the com- plaint as the diarrhoea. Other indications are, sensation of weakness, or softness (flaccidity), coldness in the face and limbs, sense of shivering in the abdomen ; cramps in the calves of the legs, and in the fingers and toes. Should the disease increase, notwithstanding the administration of this remedy, and assume the following charac- teristics, violent vomiting with severe diarrhoea, excessive weakness, and cramps in the calves of the legs; countenance pale, and expressive of acute suffering and intense anguish; coldness of the breath and tongue, excruciating pain in the region of the navel, tenderness of the abdomen when touched; dragging pains and cramps in the fingers, shrivelled appearance of the skin on the palms of the hands,—we must have immediate recourse to Veratrum, a remedy which is extremely valuable in both varieties of this disease. Arsenicum is indicated when this malady assumes a severe character from the beginning ; but it is more particularly indicated when the dis- ease is attended with rapid prostration of strength, insatiable thirst, excessive anxiety, with fear of approaching death, burning sensation in the region of the stomach, almost constant discharge from the bowels, or renewal of the discharge on every occasion that the desire for drink is gratified ; CHOLERA. 63 violent and painful vomiting, tongue and lips dry, cracked and blueish, or black; hollow cheeks, pointed nose, pulse almost imperceptible, or small, weak, intermittent, and trembling ; severe spasms in the fingers and toes; clammy perspiration. Cinchona is particularly indicated in cho- lera with diarrhoea, containing undigested food, with vomiting of food, oppression of the chest and eructation affording relief; severe pressure in the abdomen, especially after partaking of the smallest portion of food; great exhaustion, sometimes amounting to fainting. This remedy is particu- larly marked when the disease has been excited by indigestible substances, such as unripe fruit, &c. Pulsatilla, in cases where there are mucous diarrhoea and dyspeptic symptoms (vide Indiges- tion.) It is also useful when the disease has been excited by the cause noticed under the preceding remedy. Asiatic Cholera. When the premonitory symptoms of this disease, as above noted, exhibit themselves, the complete development of this dis- ease is frequently prevented, by the administration of the saturated solution of Camphor, in one part of Camphor to twenty of spirits of wine ; giving one or two drops of this in a spoonful of water every two minutes. But when cholera sets in in all its frightful forms, we should have immediate recourse to Veratrum. Cuprum is found to follow Veratrum with manifest advantage, when severe convulsive movements of the ex- tremities declare themselves. These last are the two principal remedies in 64 DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. this form of the disease ; when it assumes other symptoms, similar to those of the medicines mentioned in the treatment of Sporadic Cholera, we must have recourse to the remedy thereby in- dicated. Although we have thus far noticed the medi- cines generally most called for in this affection, in order that no time may be lost at the com- mencement of the attack, yet we would most earnestly dissuade any non-medical individual from attempting its treatment, unless the extremity of the case imperatively demanded it. As regards the exhibition of the remedies, we should administer a tea-spoonful every hour, half hour, or even two minutes, according to the ur- gency of the symptoms, and thus continue until we find amelioration. As preventives against the Asiastic Cholera, Camphor taken internally, alternated with Vera- trum and Cuprum, every four days, has in most instances proved sufficient, even with individuals exposed to the influence of the epidemic. JAUNDICE. This disease frequently declares itself, without being plainly referable to any exciting causes, among which, however, mental emotion is not an uncommon one. The predisposing causes are, a too sedentary or irregular mode of life, indulgence in spirituous liquors, or a frequent use of ape- rients. Mercurius and Cinchona are two of the best remedies in the treatment of this disorder, par- WORMS. 65 ticularly the former; but in cases when the pa- tient has suffered from the abuse of the first, we give a preference to Cinchona, especially when we can trace the disease to have arisen from par- taking of indigestible substances, such as fat pork, &,c. In cas'es which have been excited by a fit of passion, as we have before noted—no unfrequent cause—we should have recourse to Chamomilla or Nux Vomica, should the bowels be confined, or alternately confined and relaxed. Nux Vomica is also indicated when sedentary habits or over study appear the predisposing, or partly the exciting causes. In children, Chamomilla, followed by Mer- cury, if insufficient, will be found to obviate the injurious consequences arising from the abuse of the latter. WORMS. The presence of these troublesome animals in the intestinal canal, evidently arises from a psoric cause. . . The three species most generally met with in the human subject are, the ascaris, lumbricus, and taenia or tape worm; of the last there are two varieties, the solitary tape-worm, composed of long and slender articulations, which has been known to exceed the length of thirty feet; and the common tape-worm, which varies from three to ten feet, seldom comes away entire, but in joints, which are considerably broader and thicker than those of the variety first mentioned. 6* 66 digestive system. Although no period of life is wholly exempt from Worms, infants and children appear to be much more subject to the affection than adults, and with them an ill-regulated diet is by far the most frequent exciting cause. The presence of Worms, unless when passed, is not always easy of detection, since sub-acute inflammation of the mucous membrane from other causes will frequently present nearly the same range of symptoms; but here, (as in the treat- ment of many of the most serious acute diseases,) Homoeopathy presents two manifest advantages over the old system. In the first place, if acting upon the presumption of the existence of Worms, we administer a remedy specific to the affection. In the next, when we are uncertain as to the true character of the complaint, and select a medica- ment distinctly indicated by the united symptoms, it will be found applicable to the affection, from whatever cause it arises, and a careful observance of the known pathogenetic powers of the reme- dies selected, will materially assist us in tracing the disease to its proper source. The symptoms that generally indicate the pre- sence of Worms are, pallor and sickly appearance of the countenance, headache or vertigo, irregu- larity of appetite, foetidity of breath, nausea, and foul tongue, tensive fulness of abdomen, with a sensation of gnawing and burning in the intes- tines ; slight febrile symptoms, and nocturnal wakefulness, with low spirits or irritability of temper, and gradual emaciation; we also generally notice an inflammatory redness of the nostrils, with great disposition to picking or boring at the WORMS. 67 nose, especially in children, with sudden scream- ing when awaking, and grinding of teeth. In addition to the above general symptoms of this affection, we frequently meet with severe colic-like pains, with vomiting, and slimy or bloody evacu- ations ; convulsions in children, and epileptic at- tacks, combined with cerebral affections in adults; these last, when attended with cramps, rigidity of the frame, and sensation of coldness and fluctu- ation at the lower part of the abdomen, are a frequent accompaniment of taenia. The princi- pal remedial agents against the two first named species, are Aconite, Cina, Nux Vomica, Mer- curius, and Sulphur. Aconite. When considerable febrile irritation exists, or cramps or convulsions threaten to set in. Cina is particularly indicated when there is frequent boring at the nose, great perverseness of temper, constant inquietude and restlessness, with, in children, a desire for things which are rejected when offered ; fits of crying when touched, pale- ness of face, with livid circle round the eyes; constant craving for food, even after a meal, griping in the abdomen, with discharge of thread and round worms. This medicine is particularly indicated for Colic produced by worms. Nux Vomica is a valuable adjunct in cases of worms, in which considerable derangement of the digestive function is present, with irritability of temper and constipation. Mercurius, when we find diarrhoea, induration and distention of the abdomen, hardness in um- bilical region, with increased secretion of saliva. Sulphur is very efficacious in obstinate cases, jC8 respiratory system. to assist in the completion of a cure, although many such require a regular course of anti-psoric medicaments. In the repetition of this medicine, should no satisfactory action declare itself, we may with advantage have recourse to a different atten- uation or dilution of the medicine. For the Tape Worm, Sulphur alternated with Mercurius at intervals of eight days will gen- erally be found of essential benefit in effecting a cure ; should the affection, nevertheless, refuse to yield to these remedies, we may with great ben- efit occasionally administer Filix Mas; if the af- fection still continue obstinate, or has been of long standing, the practitioner will have to exer- cise his discrimination, in selecting among the anti-psorics, such remedies as appear best con- stituted to combat the virus. DISEASES OF THE ORGANS CONNECT- ED WITH THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. CATARRH, OR COMMON COLD. This term is given to an affection which con- sists of a mild degree of inflammation of the lining membrane of the nostrils, windpipe, and occasionally also of the ramifications of the latter ; induced by exposure to sudden changes of tem- perature, or to a damp or chilly atmosphere with INSUFFICIENT CLOTHING, PARTICULARLY AS RE- GARDS children. This complaint is character- ised by slight fever, impaired appetite, sneezing, hoarseness, and cough ; generally preceded by catarrh or common cold. 69 transitory chills or shiverings ; there is also a slight degree of wheezing and difficulty of breath- ing. When the disease is confined to the nose and sinuses, it is termed a cold in the head, of which form we shall treat hereafter. In many instances this affection runs to a salutary termi- nation in a day or two; but in others, and espe- cially in mis-managed cases, it is liable to entail serious consequences. The following are the principal remedies employed in the majority of cases :—Dulcamara, Aconite, Chamomilla, Bella- donna, Nux Vomica, Hepar Sulphuris, Pulsatilla, Hyoscyamus, and Ignatia. Dulcamara is a remedy of great value in the treatment of a variety of affections produced by exposure to wet, and is also, when timely admin- istered, an excellent preventive against the evil effects which frequently result from such expo- sures, especially during those raw, damp seasons so common to this climate. It is therefore an important medicament against the treatment of catarrh or cough excited by the above causes. Aconite is sometimes of considerable service, especially at the commencement of the attack, when there is quickness of pulse, with a hot dry skin; short, dry, and frequent cough, with scanty expectoration. Chamomilla. When there is a short, dry cough, worse at night, and occasionally continu- ing during sleep; sense of rawness or burning in the chest, or frequent tickling in the throat and chest, which excites the cough, and is aggravated by speaking. Hoarseness, cold in the head, fever towards evening, sometimes with redness 70 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. of the face or of one cheek, and paleness of the other ; thirst, ill-humour, and impatience. This remedy, as will be observed in various parts of this work, is of great importance in the treatment of children. Belladonna is particularly indicated in cases of dry, short, hollow, barking, spasmodic cough, chiefly at night, and sometimes coming on during sleep ; attended with redness of the face, rattling of mucus in the chest, hoarseness or sore throat.; the couojH is frequently excited by an insupport- able tickling in the throat, and brought on by the slightest movement. The paroxysms of cough- ing, are often so severe as to threaten suffocation, and are sometimes followed by fits of sneezing: disposition irritable or sad. \V ith children, other indications for the employment of this remedy are, wakefulness, or sleep broken by sudden fits of starting or screaming. Nux Vomica is a valuable remedy in cases of dry, hoarse, deep cough, excited by a sensation of dryness, tickling, or scraping in the throat ; sometimes attended with hoarseness, and a feel- ing of roughness in the chest, with accumulation of tenacious mucus. The cough is always exa- cerbated towards morning, and continues through- out the day; it is sometimes aggravated after meals, and again towards evening. The fits of coughing severely affect the head, sides of the chest, pit of the stomach, and umbilical region; producing in the latter a pain resembling the effects of a bruise or blow. This remedy is also useful in Catarrhs attended with shivering on the slightest motion, followed by flushes of heat; or, CATARRH or common cold. 71 coldness, with shivering and shuddering, chiefly confined to the back and extremities, which find relief from the warmth of a fire. It is further indicated in this affection when we find foulness of the tongue, deficiency of appetite, nausea, vomiting, bleeding from the nose and mouth, thirst, constipation, and irritability of temper. Hepar Sulphuris is an exceedingly effica- cious remedy in cases when the catarrh, and more particularly the cough and hoarseness accom- panying it closely approximate to the indica- tions given for the exhibition of Nux Vomica; but in which the last mentioned is extremely se- vere and obstinate, and attended with difficulty of breathing, or swelling of the glands. Pulsatilla may be had recourse to when the cough is of a moist or loose description, excited by a sensation of roughness, dryness, tickling, or scraping,in the throat; sometimes with a feeling of pain in the throat and chest as if from exco- riation ; expectoration of whitish or yellowish, bitter or saltish mucus ; also when hoarseness, sneezing, or lachrymation are present. The cough, and other symptoms, become aggravated towards evening, or when lying down. The other indications for this remedy are, languor, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, mildness of disposi- tion, or melancholy. Hyoscyamus is useful for that description of cough which comes on only at night, or on as- suming a recumbent position, and disappears on rising up ; also when the cough is of a convul- sive nature. Ignatia for dry, hoarse couort, continuing day 72 RESPIRATORY system. and night with but little cessation, and when the sufferer is of a mild and placid disposition, but sub- ject to sudden alterations from high to low spirits. One or more of the foregoing remedies, when judiciously selected, will generally be fouBd suffi- cient to effect a cure in all ordinary cases of catarrh. When one medicine proves inadequate to combat the whole of the symptoms, recourse must be had to any other that seems indicated against the remainder ; in neglected or very ob- stinate cases, the aid of a physician is necessary. In many such, however, Mercurius will be found efficacious in completing the cure, if con- siderable hoarseness remain, with or without a disposition to swelling of the glands. Cold in the Head is a very general attend- ant upon catarrh. When it is the leading symp- tom, or exists independently of those already mentioned ; the best medicines for its removal are—Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Chamomilla, Mer- curius, and Arsenicum. The general indications for the selection are as follow. Nux Vomica. Dry obstruction, especially during night only, with pressive heaviness in the forehead, and confusion in the head ; heat in the face, increasing towards evening. If in combi- nation with other catarrhal symptoms, see the indications already given for its exhibition. This direction equally applies to the other medica- ments here quoted. Pulsatilla. The discharge thick, foetid, or mixed with clots of blood, loss of smell, head- aches, sneezing, chill, especially towards even- ing, disposition to weep, lowness of spirits. INFLUENZA. 73 Chamomilla. The affection having risen from checked perspiration, acrid discharge from the nose, causing redness of the nostrils, and ex- coriation or soreness under the nose ; chapped lips ; shivering, with thirst. Mercurius. Dryness of the nose, with ob- struction ; profuse discharge producing excoria- tion, swelling or redness of the nose. This is a valuable remedy in the generality of ordinary cases of cold in the head. Arsenicum. Obstruction of the nose, with, at the same time, discharge of thin, acrid, excoria- ting mucus. Suffering relieved by heat; pain in the back, feeling of general debility, or prostra- tion of strength. INFLUENZA. When catarrh appears in an epidemic form, and is attended, in addition to the symptoms described at the commencement of the preceding article, with extreme oppression and prostration of strength; sleepiness, followed by shuddering and general chilliness ; rheumatic pains in the head, back, and limbs ; and slight redness of the eyes, painful pressure, and sensibility to light; the dis- ease is known by the name of Influenza. The principal medicine in the treatment of this affec- tion is Arsenicum, and in most cases, if not ad- ministered too late, it will be found specific. The following are the characteristic indications for its employment: heaviness and rheumatic pain in the head ; profuse watery and corrosive discharge from the nose, causing a disagreeable 74 respiratory system. burning sensation in the nostrils ; violent sneez- ing ; shiverings and shuddering, with severe pains in the limbs ; oppression at the chest; diffi- culty of breathing ; thirst; anxiety ; restlessness ;• great prostration of strength ; with aggra- vation of sufferings at night, or after a meal; in- flammation of the eyes, with sensibility to light. These symptoms may be attended with a deep, dry, fatiguing cough, exacerbated in the evening,, at night, or after drinking, or sensations of dry- ness and burning, with mucus in the throat, which is difficult to detach. When the throat is much affected, Belladonna or Mercurius may be administered, according to the symptoms. Vide Sore Throat. Nux Vomica, when there is constipation, with obstruction of the nose, especially at night. Aconite, when much fever exists. Cinchona will frequently be found of great service in removing the weakness that remains after improperly treated cases. There are few complaints that tend more to develop latent disease in the lungs than Influenza, and it is almost unnecessary to repeat here what we stated at the conclusion of common catarrh, viz., that assistance ought to be sought in every case that threatens to become protracted, and especially in families where there is a known hereditary taint. CROUP. This well known disease is one that requires the promptest and most discriminating treatment, croup. 75 to avert the danger. From the moment we are assured of the nature of the complaint, recourse must be had to the remedy most clearly indicated by the assemblage of the symptoms, so that not an instant be lost in arresting its further progress ; since, if not skilfully kept in check, it frequently runs to a fatal termination within twenty-four hours ; although in the generality of cases, when such an event does take place, it happens about the fourth or fifth day. Croup consists of a peculiar inflammation of the lining membrane of the windpipe, causing the secretion of a thick, viscid substance, generally opaque, of about the consistency of the boiled white of an egg, which adheres to the interior of the windpipe, and takes the form of the parts it covers ; when this, generally denominated the false membrane, has been allowed to form, the case becomes extremely critical. This complaint generally commences with the symptoms of a common Catarrh, such as cough, sneezing, and hoarseness, with a greater or less degree of fever; in a day or two the cough changes its character, and becomes shrill and squeaking, or deep, hoarse, or sonorous, attended with a ringing sound during speaking and respi- ration, as if the air were passing through a me- tallic tube ; as the disease progresses, the cough becomes more shrill, and when long continued, resembles the crowing of a young cock. There is seldom much- expectoration, and when any matter comes up in coughing, it has a stringy ap- pearance, resembling portions of a membrane. After inflammation has set in, considerable fever 76 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. and restlessness continue, occasionally varying in intensity, but never wholly remitting; the countenance expresses great anxiety, and alter- nates from a red to a livid hue ; the paroxysms are followed by a profuse and clammy perspira- tion of the whole body, more particularly of the head and face. When danger threatens, the pulse is hard, frequent, and occasionally inter- mittent ; the breathing, particularly during inspi- ration, difficult and audible ; the features become livid, and almost purple, from the sense of suffo- cation ; the head is thrown back; the cough as- sumes a veiled and husky tone; the voice sinks to a whisper ; the eye has a dull, glassy, or di- lated appearance, and the whole system seems in a state of utter prostration. That Croup arises from inherent constitutional taint is evident from the fact of some families having a peculiar tendency to the affection. The principal exciting causes seem to be, exposure to cold or damp, and derangement of the digestive functions. It seldom attacks adults, though we occasionally see exceptions to this rule, and is not unfrequently found in complication with other affections of the lungs and windpipe. The medicines upon which the greatest re- liance is to be placed in the treatment of this affection, are Aconite, Spongia, Hepar Sulphuris, and Lachesis. Aconite should commence our treatment, and may be exhibited every hour, until the febrile symptoms begin to abate ; after which we may administer Spongia, when there is a hoarse, ringing, croup. 77 hollow, and squeaking cough, with slow wheezing, respiration, or fits of choking; it may be given every one, two, or three hours, according to the intensity of the symptoms. Hepar Sulphuris, when these symptoms are partially subdued by Spongia, the cough moist or loose, with accumulation of mucus in the respiratory organs. This remedy is particularly useful against the formation of the false membrane of Croup, and in warding off the risk it occasions. It may be advantageously alternated with Spongia at intervals of three or four hours, the adminis- trator carefully noticing the effects of each medi- cine. Lachesis, in very serious and difficult cases, in which there is a swelling and tenseness in the throat, with hoarseness; great sensitiveness to the touch, the slighest pressure affecting almost to suffocation ; voice very low and hollow, with a sound like that of a person speaking through the nose; fainting; nausea; swooning; loss of sense ; rigidity of frame ; great prostration of strength, especially towards evening ; cough un- attended with expectoration, and a feeling of mucus in the throat. This medicine may be administered every half-hour, or two hours, according to the intensity of the symptoms, and their abatement. After having subdued these threatening symp- toms by the administration of the last mentioned remedy, we may, if the disease is not wholly van- quished, again fall back upon Spongia or Hepar Sulphuris, according to the indications given for those remedies. 7* 78 respiratory system. There are many other remedies which afford valuable assistance in the treatment of compli- cated cases of this affection; but which require the judgment of the physician in their selection. HOOPING COUGH. This is almost peculiarly a disease of childhood, and one which few individuals escape during that period ; it generally appears as an epidemic, and is, by the majority of physiologists, acknowl- edged to be communicated by contagion; we seldom find an instance of a person suffering a second time from its attacks. Over many, the affection passes lightly, but in the majority of cases it proves a distressing, and in some, a fatal malady, baffling all the ill-directed efforts of the Allopathic physician to conduct it to a favourable termination. Under the old practice, not only was a great deal of valuable time lost in endeavoring to sub- due, inflammation by anti-phlogistic measures, but the patient's vital energies were weakened and rendered less capable of contending with the dis- ease, when it assumed the spasmodic type. On the contrary, we have it in our power, by the administration of remedies specific to the affection, to check the inflammation at its outset, subdue the other distressing attendant symptoms, and shorten the duration of the complaint, with- out allowing it to leave after it any of those evil consequences, such as debility and emaciation, which oblige the patient to endure a tedious and protracted period of convalescence. HOOPING COUGH. 79 This affection is generally preceded, some two or three weeks, by the symptoms of common catarrh, with its commonly attendant fever, which sometimes run high. When the disease becomes developed, it declares itself by several rapid and violent expirations made in coughing, after which a loud whoop is heard, caused by a strong inspi- ration of air ; the cough then again sets in vio- lently, until terminated by the expectoration of a quantity of mucus, or a fit of vomiting; after which the attack ceases for a time, leaving, if severe, hurried respiration and considerable debility, although, in some cases, the patient at first suffers but little between the paroxysms. From the peculiar sound emitted during the attacks of coughing, the disease derives its name ; it is also known under the denominations of the Chin Cough, Kin Cough, or Kink Cough. It is easily distinguishable from common cough, even before the whoop declares itself, by the swelling of the features during the fits. Other symptoms attendant upon this affection we shall indicate under the different medicines, the principal of which are Aconite, Nux Vomica, Chamomilla, Hyoscyamus, Dulcamara, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Ipecacuanha, Cina, Drosera, Veratrum, Cuprum Metallicum, Bryonia, and Arniea, the in- dications for which are as follow. Aconite, febrile or inflammatory symptoms. This remedy may be had recourse to from time to time when such symptoms are present, bearing in mind, that its action is of short duration, and may be followed in a few hours by any other of the remedies which may appear more particularly indicated. 80 RESPIRATORY SYSTEM. Nux Vomica, precursory catarrhal symptoms present; for the indications for its employment, see Catarrh. For Chamomilla, Hyoscyamus, Dulcamara, and Belladonna, see Catarrh. Pulsatilla, when in addition to the symptoms given under Catarrh, (which consult,) there are, vomiting immediately after coughing; diarrhoea, especially at night; excessive anxiety ; face livid, with danger of suffocation. Ipecacuanha. Violent and rapid succession of coughs, so as almost to check respiration, re- newed after the inspiration or whoop ; generally followed by a fresh attack, terminated by vomiting ; also when Nux Vomica appears indicated, but fails to relieve ; especially useful after Cuprum Metallicum in dissipating such symptoms as that medicine may have left. Cina. Indications of worms present (which see;) cough dry and spasmodic; a chuckling noise passing downwards, heard during the attacks ; paleness of the face during the pa- roxysms ; rigidity of the body, and bleeding at the nose and mouth, after the cough has ceased. This remedy frequently proves very efficacious in alternation with Belladonna, when the latter seems indicated. Drosera. This medicament has generally been found specific to Hooping Cough, and may be considered the principal remedy in this affection, when prevailing as an epidemic, especially when the whoop is clearly defined, and the coughing, alternated with whooping, rapid, violent, and threatening suffocation ; after the inflammatory HOOPING cough. 81 symptoms have been held in check by Aconite, Drosera may, in most cases, follow, and will frequently be found sufficient to dissipate the remaining group of symptoms ; the dose may be allowed to act uninterruptedly for a week, should not its repetition appear called for by a cessation of the amelioration, or the indications present imperatively demand the assistance of some other medicament; in some such cases, Veratrum will frequently succeed in con- quering the disease, and may follow Drosera, when in addition to the above symptoms there are, great debility; slight fever; pulse small, weak, and accelerated ; cold and clammy perspi- ration, especially on the forehead; excessive thirst; involuntary evacuations during the pa- roxysms ; vomiting after the attack ; weakness in the nape of the neck, rendering it incapable of supporting the head; pain in the chest and groins ; miliary eruption on the face and hands, and sometimes the whole body ; sighing; and repugnance to motion or speaking, between the paroxysms. Cuprum Metallicum, may be substituted for Drosera, at the commencement of the develop- ment of the whoop, if the following indications are present; rigidity of frame, with apparent deprivation of consciousness; severe vomiting during restoration to sense and respiration, and slow recovery after it; perspiration between the paroxysms, attended with rattling in the chest. This medicine may be administered every three days while the abave symptoms continue. Bryonia. Suffocating cough, occurring in 82 respiratory system. the evening and at night, always coming on after eating or drinking, causing gasping for breath and vomiting. Arnica, when the child cries after coughing ; or when the paroxysms are immediately preceded by crying. INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. This affection is generally the result of a neg- lected cold, or arises from a sudden check of the perspiration. In treatment, our great object should be to assist nature, which being brought about by specific remedies, the disturbance will cease to exist, and the equilibrium of the whole system be restored. The suddenness with which this affection fre- quently makes its attacks, demands an equally prompt mode of treatment. We shall content ourselves in this place, with mentioning the course that should be pursued in order to ward off imme- diate danger, until medical aid can be procured ; for we must bear in mind, that in this affection, not only the selection of the remedy, but also its administration, demands the utmost discrimination of the physician, in order, on the one hand, to avoid losing valuable time, by allowing too long a period to elapse between the doses, and on the other, interrupting the action of the medicines by too frequent a repetition. It is utterly impossible to give a rule applicable to all cases, except that which we have already done, only to repeat or select another remedy, when there appears a ces- sation of amelioration, or an accession of new symptoms. inflammation of the lungs. 83 Before we proceed to notice the treatment, we will say a few words upon some of the most dis- tinguishing characteristics of the affection itself; observing, however, that inflammation of the lungs may exist, without any of the symptoms mentioned declaring themselves very prominently, and also that many of them are common to the other species of inflammation ; in fact, it is only by a good ear, and the use of the stethoscope, that a practitioner can with certainty pronounce an affection, accom- panied with the undermentioned symptoms, to be really inflammation of the lungs ; such, however, is at the commencement of but little practical im- portance ; for when any of the following group present themselves, there cannot "be the slightest hesitation about the medicine indicated. Premonitory coldness and shivering ; difficulty of breathing, with cough, sometimes dry, some- times attended with spitting; viscid, gelatinous and tenacious expectoration, frequently tinged with blood ; face and lips swollen and livid, or hot and red ; eyes protruded and shining ; pulse hard, strong, and accelerated ; an acute or dull compressing pain in the chest, sometimes in, or extending to the back, under the shoulder blades, or about the spine ; high febrile symptoms, hot dry skin, thirst, &c. In such cases Aconite may be administered every one, two, or three hours, according to the urgency of the case ; we may, if the febrile symp- toms run very high, without hesitation repeat it a