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DR.    JOB    T.  DICKINS. 

S  Pleasant  street,    -    Aewburyport. 


SPECIFIC  MEDICATION 


AND 


SPECIFIC    MEDICINES. 

BY 

JOHN  M.  SCUDDER,  M.  D. 

PROFESSOR  OP  THE  PRINCIPLES  AND  PRACTICE  OF  MEDICINE  IN  THE  ECLECTIC 

MEDICAL  INSTITUTE  J    AUTHOR  OF  "  THE     PRINCIPLES    OF   MEDICINE," 

"  THE    ECLECTIC     PRACTICE    OF     MEDICINE,"     "  THE    ECLECTIC 

MATERIA  MEDICA   AND    THERAPEUTICS,"    "A    PRACTICAL 

TREATISE     ON    THE     DISEASES    OF   -WOMEN,"    ETC. 


CINCINNATI: 
WILSTACH,  BALDWIN  &  CO.,  PEINTEKS. 

1870. 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1870,  by 

JOHN    M.   SCUDDEE, 

In  the  Office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress. 


PREFACE. 


For  some  hundred  years  or  more,  there  has  been  a  pretty 
uniform  agreement  in  the  statement,  so  frequently  repeated — 
"  there  are  no  specifics  in  medicine."  To  have  a  good  reputa- 
tion for  professional  acquirements  and  standing,  this  was  a  fun- 
damental article  of  belief.  Whatever  might  be  the  certainty 
in  Anatomy,  Physiology,  Chemistry,  and  the  arts  of  the  Ob- 
stetrician and  Surgeon,  it  was  essential  to  believe  that  the 
practice  of  medicine  was  a  great  uncertainty. 

That  it  was  a  great  uncertainty,  as  commonly  followed,  we 
are  well  assured.  The  records  of  disease,  the  mortality 
tables,  and  the  resultant  lesions  from  the  mal-administration 
of  medicines,  abundantly  testify  to  this. 

This  stands  confessed  in  the  writings  of  the  most  prominent 
men  in  the  medical  profession  to-day,  who  unite  in  deprecating 
the  use  of  the  older  treatment  of  disease,  and  the  greater 
safety  of  the  expectant  plan — which  is  really  diet  and  rest. 

Must  we  give  up  medicine  entirely?  Are  there  no  agencies 
opposed  to  processes  of  disease,  that  we  can  employ  with  cer- 
tainty ?  These  are  the  questions  of  the  day,  and  in  answering 
them,  we  will  decide  either  for  no  medicine,  or  for  specific 
medication. 

To  determine  which  of  these  shall  be  chosen,  the  reader 
will  have  to  refer  to  his  own  experience  of  the  action  of  medi- 


vi  PREFACE. 

cines,  and  be  guided  by  it.  All  will  admit  the  uncertainty  of 
medicine,  as  now  used,  but  no  one  will  be  willing  to  confess 
that  lie  really  knows  nothing  in  therapeutics.  I  think  it  will 
be  safe  to  assert  that  every  practitioner  will  have  the  knowl- 
edge of  some  antagonism  of  medicine  to  disease,  that  is  clear, 
definite  and  uniform.  If  he  has  but  one  such,  it  is  positive 
proof  there  are  others,  and  the  evidence  that  direct  or  specific  i 
medication  is  a  possibility. 

Specific  medication  requires  specific  diagnosis.  We  do  not 
propose  to  teach  that  single  remedies  are  opposed  to  diseases 
according  to  our  present  nosology.  These  consist  of  an  asso- 
ciation of  functional  and  structural  lesions,  varying  in  degree 
and  combination  at  different  times,  very  rarely  the  same  in  any 
two  cases.  To  prescribe  remedies  rationally,  we  are  required 
to  analyze  the  disease  and  separate  it  into  its  component  ele- 
ments, and  for  these  we  select  the  appropriate  remedy. 

The  writer  has  had  a  sufficiently  extended  experience  in 
the  treatment  of  disease,  to  say  that  he  knows  absolutely  that 
remedies  have  this  direct  antagonistic  action  to  disease,  and 
in  many  instances  he  is  able  to  define  it  so  that  the  reader  can 
readily  determine  its  truth.  Still  the  field  of  investigation  is 
a  broad  one,  it  has  been  but  little  cultivated,  and  there  are 
few  careful  observers,  so  that  much  of  the  work  remains  for 
future  investigation. 

The  tendency  of  medicine  in  all  schools,  however,  is  in  the 
one  direction.  The  giving  up  of  the  old  uncertainty  is  the 
first  step,  then  follows  the  careful  study  of  individual  reme- 
dies, and  their  use  to  accomplish  certain  well  defined  objects. 
One  need  not  be  a  prophet  to  forecast  the  future  in  this 
respect.  The  medicine  of  the  future  will  very  certainly  be 
direct,  or  as  we  have  chosen  to  term  it,  "  Specific  Medication." 


PREFACE.  Vli 

The  object  of  the  author  has  been  to  make  the  subject  as 
plain  as  possible,  and  not  to  obscure  it  with  useless  verbiage. 
The  first  intention  was  to  tell  only  what  he  knew — then  this 
small  volume  would  have  been  but  a  pamphlet.  But  on  fur- 
ther consideration  it  was  deemed  best,  to  point  out  the  lines 
of  investigation  with  the  larger  number  of  our  indigenous  medi- 
cines, that  they  might  be  thoroughly  tested. 

No  apology  is  offered  for  its  shortcomings.  It  has  been 
compiled  in  considerable  part,  from  monthly  articles  in  the 
Eclectic  Medical  Journal,  and  is  presented  to  the  profession 
as  a  guide  in  part,  but  especially  as  an  incentive  to  the  re- 
study  of  the  Materia  Medica. 


SPECIFIC    MEDICATION 

AND 

SPECIFIC    MEDICINES. 


THE    THEOKY   OF  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

I  take  it  for  granted  that  the  reader  will  concede 
that  all  agents  employed  as  medicines  act  either 
upon  function  or  structure,  and  that  this  action  to 
be  curative  must  be  opposed  to  the  processes  of 
disease.  This  proposition  seems  so  plain  that  it  re- 
quires no  presentation  of  facts  in  proof,  yet  it  is 
well  to  give  it  careful  consideration,  and  arrange 
such  facts  as  may  have  come  under  the  reader's  ob- 
servation in  its  support. 

If  the  action  of  a  remedy  is  to  oppose  a  process 
of  disease,  evidently  its  selection  will  depend — first, 
upon  a  correct  knowledge  of  the  disease,  and 
second,  upon  a  correct  knowledge  of  this  opposition 
of  remedies  to  it. 

It  is  a  law  of  the  universe,  "that  like  causes 
always  produce  like  effects,"  or  to  reverse  it,  "  that 
like  effects  always  flow  from  like  causes."  There- 
fore, if  we  cau  determine  the  opposition  of  a  remedy 


V 


10  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

to  a  process  of  disease  in  any  given  case,  we  have 
determined  it  in  all  like  cases.  And,  to  make  use 
of  this  knowledge  subsequently  it  is  only  necessary 
that  we  be  able  to  determine  the  exact  condition  of 
disease,  when  we  very  certainly  expect  to  obtain 
the  same  curative  (opposing)  action  from  the 
remedy. 

In  describing  this  action  to  another,  it  is  neces- 
sary— first,  that  we  so  observe  and  group  the  signs 
and  symptoms  of  disease,  that  he  may  get  the  exact 
idea  of  the  pathological  condition  to  ba  opposed. 
The  skill  required  is  in  diagnosis,  and  necessitates 
a  very  thorough  re-study  of  pathology,  ignoring  to 
a  great  extent,  our  present  nosology.  To  facilitate 
this  study,  the  author  has  published  a  work — "  The 
Principles  of  Medicine  " — which  embodies  his  views, 
and  will  serve  as  a  basis  for  specific  or  direct  medi- 
cation. Much  that  might  be  deemed  necessary  in 
this  monograph,  will  there  be  found  in  its  proper 
connection,  and  we  have  not  deemed  it  desirable  to 
separate  it  and  reproduce  it  here. 

Many  persons  are  in  error  in  regard  to  our  use  of 
the  term  specific.  They  think  of  a  specific  medicine, 
as  one  that  will  cure  all  cases  of  a  certain  disease, 
according  to  our  present  nosology,  as  pneumonitis, 
dysentery,  diarrhoea,  albuminuria,  phthisis,  etc. ;  and 
a  person  looking  at  the  subject  in  this  light,  and 
guided  by  his  experience  in  the  use  of  remedies, 
would  at  once  say  there  are  no  specifics. 

We  use  the  term  specific  with  relation  to  definite 
pathological    conditions,  and  propose  to  say,  that 


SPECIFIC   MEDICATION.  11 

certain  well  determined  deviations  from  the  healthy 
state,  will  always  be  corrected  by  certain  specific 
medicines. 

A  disease,  according  to  our  present  nosology,  may 
be  formed  of  one,  or  of  a  half-dozen  or  more  distinct 
pathological  changes,  bearing  a  determinate  relation 
to  one  another.  We  do  not  propose  to  reach  all  of 
these  by  one  remedy,  except  in  those  cases  in  which 
one  lesion  is  primary,  and  the  others  result  from  it. 
But  on  the  contrary,  we  propose  a  remedy  for  each 
pathological  feature,  using  the  remedy  for  that  first 
which  is  first  in  the  chain  of  morbid  action,  and 
that  second  which  stands  second,  and  so  on. 

As  an  example,  we  analyze  a  case  of  fever,  and 
find  it  to  consist  of  a  lesion  of  the  circulation,  a 
lesion  of  innervation,  a  lesion  of  secretion,  a  lesion 
of  the  blood,  and  a  lesion  of  nutrition ;  each  of 
these  is  regarded  as  a  distinct  element  of  the  dis- 
ease, but  in  the  order  named, — the  one  depending 
upon  the  other  to  a  certain  extent.  A  remedy  that 
will  rectify  the  lesion  of  circulation,  will  sometimes 
be  sufficient  to  arrest  the  entire  chain  of  morbid 
phenomena — as  we  notice  in  the  simple  fevers.  Or 
a  remedy  that  will  correct  the  lesiou  of  the  blood — 
this  being  primary  and  the  cause  of  the  various 
morbid  processes, — will  be  a  specific  for  all,  as  when 
quinine  arrests  an  intermittent  or  remittent  fever. 

But  in  the  severer  types  of  disease,  we  find  it 
necessary  to  use  a  remedy  or  remedies  for  each  path- 
ological feature.  Thus,  we  employ  one  to  correct 
the  lesion  of  circulation,  one  to  correct  the  lesion 


12  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

of  innervation,  special  remedies  to  increase  secre- 
tion, to  correct  the  lesion  of  the  blood,  etc.  Instead 
of  one  remedy  to  arrest  the  disease,  according  to 
the  ordinary  use  of  the  term  specific,  we  employ  a 
number  of  different  agents,  which  are  none  the  less 
specific,  for  they  meet  distinct  features  of  the  dis- 
eased action. 

To  employ  remedies  in  this  way,  it  is  requisite 
that  we  analyze  the  disease  according  to  what  we 
know  of  pathology,  determining  definitely  the  ele- 
ments that  go  to  form  it,  and  their  relation  to  one 
another. 

And  secondly,  that  we  know  the  direct  influence 
of  remedies  upon  the  human  body,  both  in  health 
and  disease ;  that  we  use  them  singly  or  in  simple 
combinations ;  that  we  do  one  thing  at  a  time  : 
that  first  which  is  first,  that  second  which  holds  the 
second  place,  and  so  on. 

If  one  expects  to  obtain  the  advantages  of  specific 
medication,  he  must  not  associate  it  with  indirect 
medication.  The  direct  sedatives,  with  free  podo- 
phyllin  catharsis — veratrum  in  pneumonia,  with 
nauseants,  blisters,  etc.,  are  incompatible.  Success 
comes  from  one  or  the  other  alone.  If  I  use  direct 
medication  I  use  it  alone,  and  if  I  use  indirect  medi- 
cation I  use  it  alone.  If  we  propose  to  treat  a  case 
of  croup  with  Aconite,  we  do  not  use  nauseants ; 
if  we  propose  to  cure  a  case  of  cholera  infantum 
with  Ipecac  and  Nux  Vomica,  we  do  not  want  as- 
tringents. — 

But  we  go  further  into  the  analysis  of  diseased 


SPECIFIC  MEDICATION.  13 

action  as  expressed  by  symptoms,  than  many  sup- 
pose. The  success  of  direct  medication  comes  from 
the  defmiteness  of  diagnosis — determining  the  exact 
condition  of  a  function  or  part. 

To  illustrate,  it  is  not  sufficient  in  selecting  a 
sedative  to  know  that  the  pulse  is  frequent,  using 
alike  Veratrum,  Aconite,  Digitalis,  G-elseminum,  or 
Lobelia.  Frequency  is  but  one  element  of  the 
lesion  :  and  we  have  to  determine  in  addition  the 
strength  or  weakness  of  the  circulation,  the  degree 
of  obstruction  of  the  capillary  circulation,  and  the 
condition  of  the  nervous  system  that  controls  this 
function.  Thus,  where  there  is  strength  with  fre- 
quency we  employ  Yeratrum ;  feebleness  with  fre- 
quency, Aconite ;  excitation  of  the  nervous  system 
with  strength  and  frequency,  Gelseminum ;  atony 
of  the  nervous  system  and  tendency  to  stasis  of 
blood,  Aconite  and  Belladonna  ;  feeble  impulse  from 
trie  heart,  without  capillary  obstruction,  Digitalis, 
etc. 

It  is  not  sufficient  to  know  that  the  tongue  is 
coated,  indicating  an  impairment  or  arrest  of  diges- 
tion. We  make  this  secretion  give  us  the  history 
of  blood  lesions,  as  well  as  of  gastric  and  intestinal 
derangements.  We  learn  that  pallid  mucous  mem- 
branes with  white  coat  demand  alkalies  ;  that  deep 
red  mucous  membranes  and  brown  coat  call  for 
acids ;  that  a  dirty-white,  pasty  coat  requires  the 
alkaline  sulphites,  etc.  It  is  not  necessary  to  con- 
tinue this  illustration  further,  for  the  reader  will  see 
by  the  above  that  the  specific  medication  requires  spe- 


14  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

cijic  diagnosis,  and  that  it  will  be  successful  just  in 
proportion  as  we  become  skilled  in  this. 

It  is  true  that  almost  any  one  can  use  Yeratrum 
and  Aconite  successfully,  for  the  conditions  are  so 
prominent  that  they  can  not  be  mistaken ;  or  any 
one  may  successfully  prescribe  Aconite  in  sporadic 
dysentery  from  cold ;  Ipecac  in  the  diarrhoea  of  chil- 
dren ;  Collinsonia  or  Hamamelis  for  hemorrhoids ; 
Collinsonia  for  ministers'  sore  throat;  Cactus  for 
heart  disease ;  Pulsatilla  for  nervousness ;  Staphy- 
sagria  for  prostatorrhoea  ;  Eryngium  Aquaticum  for 
cystic  or  urethral  irritation  ;  Apocynum  Canabinum 
for  dropsy,  etc.,  etc.  These  remedies  have  an  extra 
value  attached  to  them,  because  the  conditions  in- 
dicating them  are  so  easily  determined. 

Yet  the  reader  will  learn  with  surprise  that  ten 
years  since,  with  but  one  exception,  not  one  of  these 
agents  were  used  for  the  purpose  named.  In  1860, 
10  lbs.  of  the  crude  root  of  Collinsonia  supplied  the 
market  for  a  year ;  now  one  house  gets  in  10,000 
lbs.  for  the  year's  supply. 

SPECIFIC   DIAGNOSIS. 

We  have  already  insisted  upon  the  necessity  of 
specific  diagnosis  if  we  are  to  expect  definite  cura- 
tive action  from  medicines.  This  is  a  very  impor- 
tant element  of  specific  or  direct  medication  that 
many  physicians  do  not  seem  to  understand.  When 
we  speak  of  specific  medication  they  get  the  idea 
of  an  absolute  cure  for  disease  according  to  our 


SPECIFIC   DIAGNOSIS.  15 

present  nosology,  and  say  there  is  no  such  thing  as 
a  specific  medicine.  They  expect  to  guess  at  the 
name  of  a  disease,  and  find  a  remedy  that  will  fit 
their  guess-work.  To  suit  such,  a  medicine  must 
be  like  a  blunderbuss,  scattering  its  shot  all  over  the 
field,  giving  a  probability  that  some  will  reach  the 
mark. 

Direct  medication,  on  the  contrary,  requires  spe- 
cific diagnosis.  We  must  know  exactly  what  the  de- 
parture from  health  is,  and  knowing  this  we  may 
select  a  remedy  which  will  correct  it.  As  was  re- 
marked before,  the  physician  must  have  first  a  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  healthy  life,  and  be  able  to  re- 
cognize it,  or  any  departure  from  it.  Thus  Anat- 
omy and  Physiology  are  the  true  basis  of  direct 
medication,  for  if  we  do  not  know  the  healthy 
structure  and  function,  it  is  not  possible  that  we  can 
know  the  diseased  structure  and  function. 

We  have  a  very  simple  rule  for  measuring  the 
departure  from  health,  and  it  is  easily  applied.  It 
is  in  one  of  three  directions — excess,  defect,  or  perver- 
sion— above,  below,  or  from.  If  we  can  measure 
disease  in  this  way,  the  desired  remedial  action  is  at 
once  suggested — if  in  excess  it  is  to  be  diminished, 
if  defective  it  is  to  be  increased,  if  perverted  it  is  to 
be  brought  back  to  the  normal  standard.  In  a 
majority  of  acute  diseases,  we  will  find  these  de- 
partures so  clearly  marked  that  the  diagnosis  and 
treatment  are  very  easy. 

But  as  there  are  many  elements  that  go  to  make 
healthy  life  in  man,  so  there  are  many  that  go  to 


16  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

make  the  sum  of  disease.  These  will  be  found  in 
varying  combination,  yet  in  most  cases  there  are 
certain  prominent  lesions  which  may  be  regarded 
as  standing  first  in  the  chain  of  morbid  phenomena 
and  upon  which  the  others  rest.  If  we  can  find 
remedies  which  will  reach  and  correct  these,  the 
disease  is  at  an  end,  and  the  natural  restorative 
power  of  the  body  soon  gives  health. 

The  most  simple  form  of  specific  medication  is 
where  a  single  remedy  is  sufficient  to  arrest  the  pro- 
cess of  disease.  As  when  we  prescribe  Collinsonia 
for  ministers'  sore  throat,  Drosera  for  the  cough  of 
measles,  Belladonna  for  congestive  headache,  Ma- 
crotys  for  muscular  pains,  Hamamelis  for  hemor- 
rhoids, Phytolacca  for  mammary  irritation,  Cactus 
for  functional  heart  disease,  Staphysagria  for  pros- 
tatorrhoea,  etc.  This  use  of  remedies  gives  great 
satisfaction  in  the  treatment  of  many  diseases,  and 
we  are  led  to  wish  that  the  practice  of  medicine 
could  be  resolved  into  the  giving  of  such  specifics. 

Not  quite  so  simple,  but  yet  very  plain  is  the 
second  form  of  direct  medication,  illustrated  by  the 
following  examples.  A  heavily  loaded  tongue  at 
base,  with  a  bad  taste  in  the  mouth  and  fullness  in 
the  epigastric  region,  demanding  an  emetic.  A 
uniformly  yellowish  coated  tongue  from  base  to  tip, 
relieved  by  Podophyllin  or  Leptandrin.  A  pallid 
tongue,  coated  white,  calling  for  a  salt  of  soda.  A 
pallid  large  tongue,  with  a  moist  pasty  coat,  de- 
manding the  alkaline  sulphites,  say  sulphite  of  soda. 
The  deep  red  tongue  and  mucous  membranes  with 


SPECIFIC   DIAGNOSIS.  17 

brownish  coatings,  demanding  the  use  of  acids,  say 
muriatic  acid. 

Quite  as  plain,  but  not  so  easily  and  directly 
reached  by  medicine,  is  the  need  of  a  good  condi- 
tion of  the  intestinal  canal  for  digestion  and  blood 
making,  and  associated  with  it  the  recognition  of 
the  need  of  certain  restoratives  that  may  be  neces- 
sary to  normal  nutrition  and  functional  activity. 
These  are  essentials  in  the  treatment  of  every  form 
of  disease.  In  acute  cases,  it  is  required  first  to  rid 
our  patient  of  functional  disease  before  we  can  fully 
establish  digestion  and  nutrition,  but  in  chronic  dis- 
ease it  will  many  times  stand  first,  and  must  always 
be  associated  with  treatment  for  local  lesions. 

The  complement  of  this  is,  treatment  to  increase 
the  removal  of  old  and  word-out  tissues,  and  thus 
relieve  the  solids  and  fluids  of  material  that  must 
necessarily  depress  functional  activity.  Probably 
we  have  as  little  positive  knowledge  of  remedies 
that  increase  retrograde  metamorphosis,  as  of  any 
other  class,  still  they  are  being  studied,  and  in  time 
we  will  be  enabled  to  use  them  directly.  Remedies 
that  increase  excretion  are  in  common  use,  and 
form  a  very  important  part  of  our  practice.  From 
the  earliest  periods  of  medicine,  the  fact  that  dis- 
ease is  destructive  has  been  recognized.  Destruc- 
tion of  the  material  of  our  bodies,  necessarily  leaves 
the  debris  either  in  solids  or  fluids,  and  experience 
has  shown  that  it  can  not  remain  in  the  body  with 
safety.      Hence  the  common  use  of  those  agents 


18  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

that  stimulate    excretion  from   skin,  kidneys  and 
bowels. 

But  there  has  been  a  failure  to  appreciate  the 
true  nature  of  these  processes,  and  from  this  has 
flowed  a  very  great  deal  of  bad  practice.  These 
processes  are  strictly  vital  processes,  carried  on  by 
delicate  organisms  under  the  control  of  the  nervous 
system.  As  they  are  the  basis  of  life,  we  may  well 
suppose  that  nature  has  guarded  them  on  all  sides, 
and  that  they  are  the  true  centre  of  life.  The  doc- 
tor of  the  olden  time  has  looked  upon  them  as 
mechanisms  to  be  powerfully  influenced  by  reme- 
dies. He  powerfully  excites  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tinal canal  as  a  means  of  derivation,  and  works 
upon  the  skin  and  kidneys  as  if  secretion  from  them 
were  a  purely  physical  process.  Thousands  of  lives 
have  been  and  are  being  destroyed  in  this  way. 
Any  one  who  will  take  up  Huxley's  Physiology, 
and  read  the  clear  and  simple  description  of  this 
apparatus  for  digestion  and  waste,  upon  which  our 
lives  rest,  can  not  but  be  satisfied  that  the  common 
practice  of  medicine  is  a  very  great  wrong.  A  man 
lives,  because  he  has  the  power  of  renewing  his  life 
day  by  day.  Take  away  this  power  and  he  will  die 
in  a  brief  time ;  take  it  away  in  part,  and  you  have 
lesseued  his  power  to  that  extent ;  take  it  away  for 
an  hour,  for  a  day,  or  for  a  week,  and  his  power  to 
live  is  weakened  to  that  extent. 

When  we  regard  these  processes  as  strictly  vital 
processes,  in  highly  developed  organs,  under  tile 
control  of  a  most  delicately  adjusted  nervous  system, 


SPECIFIC   DIAGNOSIS.  19 

we  will  be  in  a  position  to  nse  remedies  to  aid  vital 
action.  Studying  the  condition  of  the  stomach  and 
intestinal  canal  in  this  light,  we  will  see  how  a 
direct  stimulant,  or  tonic,  an  alkali,  an  acid,  a  rem- 
edy that  will  relieve  nervous  irritation,  or  one  that 
will  give  increased  innervation,  will  in  different 
cases  be  an  aid  to  digestion.  Looking  farther,  we 
will  see  the  necessity,  in  one  case  of  histogenetic 
food,  in  another  of  calorifacient,  in  one  of  iron,  in 
another  of  phosphorus,  etc.  It  is  just  as  much 
specific  medication  to  be  able  to  select  the  proper  food 
for  the  sick  as  it  is  the  proper  medicine. 

One  or  two  examples  of  this  may  not  be  out  of 
place.  The  past  winter  I  was  called  in  consultation, 
in  a  case  of  continued  fever  in  the  third  week. 
The  treatment,  so  far  as  medicine  was  concerned, 
had  been  very  judicious,  but  the  food  had  been 
starchy,  and  for  a  week  the  patient  had  been  able 
to  take  very  little.  He  was  failing  fast,  and  stimu- 
lants and  tonics  were  used  without  advantage.  The 
most  striking  features  of  the  disease  to  me  were  : 
the  feebleness  of  the  heart's  action,  the  want  of 
respiratory  power,  and  the  evidences  of  a  general 
failure  of  muscular  power — in  all  other  respects  the 
patient  was  in  good  condition.  I  advised  enemata 
of  beef-essence,  and  its  internal  administration  in 
small  quantities  frequently  repeated,  and  a  suspen- 
sion of  all  medicine.  The  effect  was  marked  in 
twenty -four  hours,  and  the  patient  speedily  recov- 
ered. In  the  early  part  of  my  practice  I  had  occa- 
sion to  call  Dr.  William  Judkins  in  consultation,  in 


20  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

the  case  of  a  lady  who  had  incipient  phthisis  de- 
veloped from  menstrual  irregularity.  She  was  very 
feeble,  and  1  had  been  giving  ^her  freely  of  the  bit- 
ter tonics,  stimulants  and  animal  food.  The  old 
Quaker  remarked,  if  thee  will  stop  the  medicine 
and  stimulants,  and  give  her  fatty  matter  she  will 
recover — and  the  result  justified  the  old  doctor's 
skill  in  diagnosis.  I  have  had  to  take  this  advice 
twice  in  the  past  eighteen  months,  from  other  par- 
ties, when  I  should  have  recognized  it  myself ;  in 
both  it  was  the  one  thing  necessary  to  success. 

With  regard  to  excretion,  we  must  be  thoroughly 
impressed  with  the  fact  that  it  is  wholly  a  vital  pro- 
cess, and  not  a  process  of  straining.  When  we 
come  to  understand  that  a  secreting  organ  is  con- 
tinually growing  secreting  cells,  and  that  these 
withdraw  from  the  blood  the  worn-out  materials  of 
our  bodies,  we  will  be  in  a  position  to  use  remedies 
with  better  success.  Evidently  it  is  possible  to  so 
over-stimulate  or  over-work  an  excretory  organ, 
that  this  function  of  cell-production  will  be  very 
much  diminished  or  altogether  arrested.  Just  in 
this  proportion  must  secretion  be  impaired  or  wholly 
arrested.  The  best  remedies  to  increase  secretion  are 
those  that  act  mildly  and  stimulate  vital  function. 

Thus  far  direct  medication  is  very  plain  sailing. 
All  can  succeed  with  it,  yet  successes  will  be  in  pro- 
portion to  the  physician's  acuteness  of  observation, 
and  to  some  extent  upon  his  knowledge  of  remedies. 
But  beyond  this  we  have  a  field  that  requires  a  very 
thorough  knowledge  of  vital  processes,  accurate  ob- 


DIFFERENCE   FROM    HOMEOPATHY.  21 

servation,  and  an  extended  knowledge  of  remedies. 
We  study  not  so  much  the  grosser  manifestations 
of  disease,  but  the  more  delicate  shadings  and  com- 
binations, and  our  therapeutics  requires  that  we 
have  a  most  intimate  knowledge  of  the  influence  of 
remedies  upon  the  human  body.  In  this  field  of 
study  the  physician  will  find  a  beauty  and  certainty 
in  the  practice  of  medicine  that  will  give  zest  to  in- 
vestigation, and  as  it  is  pursued  he  will  find  greater 
and  greater  success. 

DIFFERENCE     FROM    HOMCEOPATHY. 

The  question  has  been  asked,  "In  what  does  your 
theory  of  specific  medication  differ  from  Homoeop- 
athy ?  "  The  question  is  a  pertinent  one,  and  I 
will  endeavor  to  answer  it  briefly. 

The  law,  similia  sim.Uibus,  upon  which  the  Ho- 
moeopathic practice  is  based,  is  defined  in  two  ways. 
One  contends  that  the  drug,  used  for  cure,  "  pro- 
duces the  essential  morbid  condition  "  when  proven 
in  health.  The  other,  "  that  it  produces  similar 
symptoms,"  but  not  the  exact  pathological  condi- 
tion. 

The  truth  in  this  law  of  similia  similibus,  is,  that 
certain  agents,  called  medicines,  act  on  particular 
organs,  parts,  and  functions  of  the  human  body  in  a 
uniform  manner.  They  act  equally  on  the  organ, 
part,  or  function,  in  health  and  disease ;  and  thus 
acting  in  health,  they  produce  such  change  in  the 
phenomena  of  life  as  to  render  the  action  sensible 


22  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

to  the  person — symptoms.  If  an  agent  directly  and 
uniformly  produces  an  influence  upon  a  particular 
part,  it  is  more  likely  to  be  used  as  a  remedy  in  dis- 
ease of  that  part  than  another  which  does  not  influ- 
ence the  part  at  all. 

Remedies  are,  therefore,  those  agents  which 
directly  and  uniformly  influence  an  organ,  part,  or 
function.  The  question  then  comes  up,  are  they 
remedies  because  "  they  will  produce  a  similar  state 
of  disease,"  or  because  they  are  opposed  to  diseased 
action  ? 

The  Homoeopaths  will  not  admit  any  explanation 
of  their  law  of  similia.  The  remedy  is  a  remedy 
because  it  will  produce  the  exact  diseased  condition, 
or  at  least  the  exact  symptoms  of  such  condition. 

I  contend  that  a  drug  is  a  specific  remedy :  first, 
because  it  influences  uuiformly  and  directly  the 
part  or  function  diseased ;  and  second,  because  it 
opposes  such  diseased  action.  I  would,  therefore, 
write  the  law  of  cure  opponens  opponenda,  instead  of 
similia  similibus. 

I  find  a  late  authority  in  Homoeopathy  agrees 
with  me  in  this.  Dr.  v.  Grauvogl,  in  his  "  Lehr- 
buch  Der  Homoeopathy,"  says  : — "  The  conception 
of  a  specific  remedy  expresses  the  mutual  relation 
existing  between  it  and  parts  of  the  organism, 
which  has  to  be  ascertained  empirically  by  physio- 
logical provhigs  of  drugs.  For  some  part  of  the 
organism  is  in  a  relation  of  immunity,  for  other 
parts  of  attraction,  for  others  again  one  of  repulsion, 
and  always  vice  versa.     For  instance,  there  is  a  spe- 


DIFFERENCE   FROM   HOMEOPATHY.  23 

cific  form  of  fever  and  ague  which,  for  these  very 
reasons,  is  cured  by  Quinine,  a  dose  or  quantity  of 
Quinine  being  given  which  corresponds  to  the  in- 
tensity of  the  attack." 

Again  with  reference  to  the  dose  of  medicines  : 
"  All  we  have  to  do  is  to  determine,  independently 
of  all  subjective  persuasions  and  incomprehensibili- 
ties, what  quantity  of  a  substance  is  necessary  in 
order  to  produce  in  any  morbidly  affected  part  of 
the  organism  a  chemical  or  physical  counter-move- 
ment of  equal  intensity,  and  in  an  opposite  direction 
to  the  movement  originated  by  the  -morbific  cause, 
with  a  view  of  arresting,  or  at  least,  retarding  this 
latter,  and  finally-  discontinuing  it  altogether  by  re- 
peating the  dose.  *  .  *  .#  The  problem 
is  simply  to  determine  what  remedial  movement 
quantities  will  antagonize  as  their  equivalent  the 
movements  that  had  been  excited  by  the  morbific 
agent;  for  the  measure  of  the  force  is  the  effect, 
nothing  else.  To  solve  this  problem  we  have  the 
natural  law  according  to  which  quantity  contains 
the  measure  of  the  movement  and  counter-move- 
ment; consequently  for  therapeutic  purposes,  the 
correct  dose  consists  in  a  quantity  of  force  of  the 
indicated  quality  which  is  equal  to  the  quantity  of 
force  of  the  morbific  agent,  and  in  its  movements 
runs  in  a  contrary  direction  to  the  quality  of  the 
latter." 

In  ordinary  practice,  whether  it  be  Old  School  or 
Eclectic,  there  is  no  principle  or  law  of  cure.  Rem- 
edies are  not  given  because  they  are  opposed  to  or 


24  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

agree  with  diseased  action,  but  simply  because  they 
have  been  previously  used  with  reputed  good  suc- 
cess. It  is,  in  fact,  pure  empiricism.  The  old  dog- 
ma of  phlogosis  and  antiphlogistics,  and  the  new 
doctrine  of  impaired  vitality  and  restorative  medi- 
cation, guides  the  empirical  use  of  remedies  in  the 
one  or  other  direction. 


THE  ADMINISTKATION   OF    MEDICINES. 

We  may  lay  it  down  as  an  axiom,  from  which  it 
is  never  safe  to  depart,  that — No  medicine  should  be 
given,  unless  the  pathological  condition  and  the  indica- 
tions for  its  use  are  clearly  defined.  It  is  much  better 
to  employ  a  placebo,  than  run  the  risk  of  doing  harm 
by  medication. 

Good  nursing  is  an  essential  element  in  the  suc- 
cessful practice  of  medicine,  and  always  requires 
direction  by  the  physician ;  keeping  the  stomach  in 
good  condition  for  the  reception  of  food  and  medi- 
cine, is  of  first  importance,  and  requires  attention. 
Following  this  is  the  selection  of  proper  food,  its 
preparation,  and  the  time  for  its  administration. 
These  alone  very  well  repay  the  careful  attention 
and  thought  of  the  physician,  even  if  he  can  not 
see  an  indication  for  the  employment  of  remedies. 

"When  we  recollect  that  the  cause  of  disease  is 
always  depressing,  and  a  source  of  constant  renewal, 
we  will  see  that  the  removal  of  the  cause  from  the 
patient  or  the  patient  from  the  cause,  or  the  antag- 
onism of  remedies  to  remove  the  cause,  is  a  proper 


ADMINISTRATION    OF   MEDICINES.  25 

field  for  our  efforts.  If  we  cau  see  clearly  that  the 
condition  of  disease  is  one  of  depression — that  in 
proportion  as  a  man  is  sick,  his  vitality  is  lessened, 
such  means  as  will  increase  the  power  to  live,  or 
the  resistance  of  the  body  to  death,  will  be  sug- 
gested. 

As  we  have  stated  before,  we  make  an  analysis 
of  the  disease  and  divide  it  into  its  component 
parts,  before  making  a  prescription  of  medicine. 
There  are  certain  basic  functions  or  conditions  upon 
which  all  otters  rest,  and  which  are  essential  to  life. 
These  demand  our  first  consideration.  Thus  the 
circulation  of  the  blood,  the  temperature,  the  condition 
of  the  nervous  system,  waste,  excretion,  the  condition  of 
the  blood,  blood-making  and  nutrition,  are  examined 
separately.  Determining  the  lesion  of  these,  we 
prescribe  such  remedy  as  antagonizes  it,  and  brings 
the  function  toward  the  healthy  standard.  Some 
one  of  them  will  stand  first  in  the  series  of  patho- 
logical changes,  and  will  serve  as  a  basis  for  others, 
and  this  will  receive  first  attention.  Thus  we  pre- 
scribe at  the  other  lesions,  in  the  order  in  which 
they  seem  to  be  arranged. 

As  a  rule,  it  is  best  to  do  one  thing  at  a  time.  We 
prescribe  first  for  that  lesion  which  is  first  in  the 
chain  of  morbid  action.  Then  maintaining  the  in- 
fiuence  obtained  by  a  continuation  of  the  remedy, 
we  do  that  second  which  is  second,  and  that  third 
which  is  third,  and  so  on. 

In  the  cure  of  disease  time  is  an  important  ele- 
ment, and  it  is  never  best  to  be  in  a  hurry.  Here, 
3 


26  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

the  old  proverb  "  haste  makes  waste,"  is  a  very 
true  one.  As  a  rule,  the  severer  the  disease,  the 
slower  its  development ;  the  slower  the  departure 
from' health  the  greater  the  impairment  of  function 
and  structure,  and  necessarily  the  slower  its  restora- 
tion. 

The  manifestations  of  life  in  man  are  from  a 
highly  developed  organism,  the  perfection  of  which 
is  a  work  of  time.  Every  manifestation  of  life  ne- 
cessitates a  continued  renewal  of  structure,  requir- 
ing an  expenditure  of  that  force  we  k%ow  as  vital. 
Therefore,  when  the  manifestations  of  life  are  ab- 
normal (disease),  we  must  necessarily  allow  time  for 
the  development  of  the  organism,  increased  because 
the  vital  force  is  impaired. 

As  a  rule,  it  is  best  to  change  the  manifestations  of 
diseased  life  slowly,  giving  sufficient  time  for  the  or- 
ganism to  adapt  itself  to  the  change,  and  gain  in- 
creased strength  as  it  returns  to  the  condition  of 
health.  It  will  never  do  to  suppress  a  process  of 
disease  at  the  risk  of  suppressing  the  organism  upon 
which  natural  function  depends. 

As  a  rule,  it  is  best  to  effect  these  changes  insensibly, 
or  without  shock  to  an  organ  or  to  the  entire  body.  In 
this,  as  in  all  other  things,  it  is  the  slow  but  con- 
tinued application  of  an  opposing  force,  that  ac- 
complishes the  greatest  results.  Many  thousands 
of  sick  have  been  hurried  to  their  graves  by  the 
sudden  and  forcible 'efforts  of  the  physician  to  re- 
move disease.     This  is  one  of  the  most  prominent 


THE    FORM    OF   MEDICINE.  27 

errors  of  the  old  practice,  and  will  require  consid- 
erable effort  to  avoid. 

'  As  a  rule,  it  is  best  to  employ  remedies  singly,  or  in 
simple  combination  of  remedies  acting  in  the  same  way. 
The  reasons  for  this  rule  are  obvious.  It  prevents 
random  or  scattering  prescriptions.  We  either 
know  a  single  remedy  that  will  accomplish  the  ob- 
ject, or  we  know  nothing  and  have  no  right  to 
make  a  prescription.  There  can  not  be  anything  in 
a  combination  that  is  not  in  the  individual  articles 
composing  it,  and  in  some  one  of  them  par  excellence: 
this  is  the  remedy  to  use.  In  direct  medication  we 
want  no  modifying  influences ;  we  want  the  plain 
and  constant  action  of  a  simple  remedy. 

THE    FORM    OF    MEDICINE. 

The  common  action  of  many  medicines  obtained 
in  the  old  practice  is  the  poisonous  action.  The 
agent  is  given  in  such  large  doses  and  is  so  nauseous, 
that  the  human  body  in  self-preservation  is  forced 
to  act  upon  and  expel  it.  Thus,  an  emetic  forces 
the  stomach  to  an  act  of  expulsion,  and  we  have 
emesis ;  a  cathartic  influences  the  intestinal  canal 
in  like  manner  and  we  have  catharsis  ;  and  so  with 
diaphoretics  and  diuretics.  A  different  class,  which 
may  be  represented  by  mercnry,  antimony,  and 
arsenic,  obtain  entrance  to  the  blood,  and  depressing 
this,  they  depress  every  manifestation  of  life  until 
they  are  finally  slowly  removed. 

If  we  desire  to  obtain  these  grave  influences  of 


28  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

medicine,  the  form  is  not  particular,  neither  is  the 
size  of  the  dose — if  the  patient  can  stand  it.  But 
if  we  desire  that  slow,  insensible,  but  direct  action 
that  I  have  spoken  of,  we  want  our  remedies  in  such 
form  that  they  will  be  kindly  received  and  have  a 
kindly  action  upon  the  organism. 

We  have  also  to  take  into  consideration  the  pre- 
servation of  the  article,  uniformity  of  action,  pleas- 
antness to  the  sick,  portability,  and  ease  of  pre- 
scription. These  hold  a  secondary  place,  yet  are 
very  important. 

A  class  of  remedies  may  be  regarded  as  chemicals, 
and  these  we  desire  in  greatest  purity,  and  only 
purchase  such  as  bear  the  names  of  the  best  manu- 
facturers. Such  are  Quinia,  Morphia,  Sulphite  of 
Soda,  Phosphate  of  Soda,  the  Bromides,  etc. 

The  largest  class  is  obtained  from  the  vegetable 
world,  and  are  products  of  nature's  laboratory. 
These  we  wish  unchanged  b\^  art,  as  nature  ha3 
prepared  them,  simply  reducing  the  bulk,  and  using 
a  vehicle  to  preserve  them. 

Very  certainly  the  best  menstruum  for  all  vege- 
table remedies  is  alcohol  and  water  in  varying  pro- 
portion. There  is  no  vegetable  product  that  does 
not  yield  its  medicinal  properties  to  these,  in  a  very 
concentrated  form,  the  alcohol  being  in  sufficient 
propprtion  for  preservation.  .Not  only  so,  but  with 
modern  apparatus  for  percolation,  the  fluid  may 
easily  represent  the  strength  of  ounce  for  ounce, 
giving  sufficient  concentration  to  make  it  portable. 

The  tincture  thus  prepared  is  miscible  with  water, 


the  form:  of  medicine.  29 

which  is  undoubtedly  the  best  vehicle  for  the  intro- 
duction of  a  remedy  into  the  blood.  In  using  a 
hypodermic  injection,  we  employ  water  as  a  vehicle 
for  the  medicine,  and  not  simple  syrup,  syrup  of 
lemon  or  ginger,  an  extract  of  quassia  or  other 
nasty  substance,  and  so  in  introducing  remedies 
into  the  circulation  we  will  find  water  decidedly  the 
best  vehicle. 

Remedies  in  pura  naturalibus  are  not  offensive,  it 
is  the  covering  them  up,  and  mixing  them  that 
makes  them  unpleasant.  Doctors'  potions  are  pro- 
verbially nasty,  and  the  public  mind  has  been  culti- 
vated to  believe  that  a  mixture  in  a  bottle  must  be 
an  offence  to  smell,  taste  and  stomach.  The 
thoughts  of  such  medicines  are  enough  to  make 
some  sick. 

My  prescriptions  are  uniformly  made  with  water 
as  a  vehicle,  the  tincture  being  added  to  it  in  such 
proportion  that  the  dose  will  be  a  teaspoonful.  If 
the  tinctures  are  carried  in  the  pocket  case,  we  add 
them  to  ft  glass  of  water  in  proper  proportion,  and 
renew  the  medicine  at  each  visit  that  it  may  be 
fresh. 

In  the  treatment  of  diseases  of  children  this  ex- 
temporaneous dispensing  is  especially  desirable. 
Children  are  naturally  adverse  to  anything  un- 
pleasant, and  one  ordinary  drugging  is  sufficient  to 
"  put  them  against  medicine."  It  is  very  unpleasant 
to  be  required  to  force  medicine  upon  a  child  against 
its  wishes,  still  more  to  throw  it  down,  hold  it  for- 
cibly, and  grasping  its  nose  make  it  swallow  the 


30  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

mixture.     No  wonder  parents  turn  from  such  prac- 
tice to  Homoeopathy. 

It  has  been  my  practice  to  have  the  little  patient 
see  all  the  operations  of  preparing  the  medicine. 
It  sees  the  pocket  case,  inspects  the  bottles,  and  is 
convinced  that  everything  is  clean  and  there  is 
nothing  objectionable.  The  glass  of  water  is  placed 
before  it,  and  the  few  drops  of  medicine  added,  and 
to  the  request,  "  My  dear,  taste  this  and  see  if  the 
medicine  is  not  good,"  it  offers  no  objection,  is  sat- 
isfied, and  you  have  obtained  the  little  patient's 
confidence,  and  will  never  lose  it  until  you  abuse  it. 

THE    DOSE    OF    MEDICINE. 

As  a  rule,  the  dose  of  medicine  should  be  the  smallest 
quantity  that  will  produce  the  desired  result.  The 
proper  dose,  or  that  which  gives  the  best  result,  is 
very  much  smaller  than  one  who  has  been  used  to 
the  large  doses  of  indirect  medicine  would  suppose 
possible.  Yet  it  is  not  infinitesimal,  as  our  Homoeo- 
pathic friends  would  have  us  believe.  It  is  difficult 
to  state  what  the  dose  should  be  as  yet,  but  I  be- 
lieve those  named  in  connection  with  the  remedies 
are  the  maximum. 

A  few  examples  may  serve  to  illustrate  this.  In 
the  olden  time  we  thought  the  dose  of  a  strong 
tincture  of  Macrotys  was  from  half  to  one  teaspoon- 
ful,  repeated  every  two  or  three  hours,  until  "  the 
head  felt  like  bursting."  I  now  find  the  remedy 
much  more  certain  in  the  proportion  of  5j.  of  the 


PREPARATION  OF  REMEDIES.  31 

tincture  to  water  giv.  a  teaspoonful  every  two  hours. 
The  common  directions  for  using  Veratrum  (Nor- 
wood's Tincture)  were  to  commence  with  a  dose  of 
three  drops  every  three  hours,  increasing  one  drop 
each  hour,  until  its  full  effect  was  produced.  Now 
the  dose  is  always  less  than  one  drop.  Aconite  was 
formerly  given  in  doses  of  drops,  now  in  fractions 
of  drops. 

The  dose  will  vary  in  different  cases,  and  with 
different  practitioners.  If  it  falls  below  the  grass 
or  poisonous  action  of  the  drug,  it  will  have  specific 
influence,  and  the  diagnosis  being  right,  will  accom- 
plish the  object  of  the  prescriber.  I  am  satisfied 
that  the  size  of  the  dose  does  not  make  such  differ- 
ence as  has  been  thought,  and  that  the  essential 
element  of  success  is  to  get  the  right  remedy. 

THE    PREPAKATION    OF    KEMEDIES. 

The  majority  of  physicians  will  prepare  but  few 
remedies  themselves,  yet  it  is  just  as  essential  that 
they  know  how  they  should  be  prepared,  as  if  they 
made  them  all.  With  an  intelligent  understanding 
of  the  simpler  processes  of  pharmacy,  he  will  have 
a  much  better  knowledge  of  the  physical  properties 
of  medicines,  and  be  enabled  to  judge  somewhat  of 
their  purity  and  efficiency  when  purchasing. 

The  general  drug  trade  has  been  a  miserable 
fraud  upon  the  profession.  Whether  selling  crude 
or  manufactured  articles,  the  chances  were  ten  to 
one  that  they  were  adulterated,  and  not  what  they 


32  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

were  represented,  (Morphia,  Quinia,  and  some  of 
the  common  chemicals,  have  been  exceptions.) 

So  far  has  this  sophistication  been  carried  that 
all  certainty  in  medicine,  even  in  gross  drugging 
for  indirect  effect,  has  been  lost.  Solid  or  fluid  ex- 
tracts are  found  of  all  degrees  of  strength,  from 
the  highest  named  in  the  pharmacopoeia  to  nothing. 
In  many  cases  they  are  prepared  from  old  and 
worthless  crude  material,  that  has  partly  or  wholly 
lost  its  medicinal  properties,  yet  it  is  sold  in  the 
same  packages  and  at  the  same  prices,  as  if  good. 

There  is  but  one  safe  plan  for  the  physician  in 
procuring  remedies,  and  that  is  by  personal  experi- 
ment to  satisfy  himself  that  a  good  remedy  can  be 
readily  prepared,  and  learn  to  know  it  when  he 
sees  it.  Deal  with  houses  that  claim  to  prepare 
remedies  from  recent  crude  material,  of  full 
strength,  without  heat,  and  return  every  package 
that  does  not  come  up  to  the  full  standard  of 
strength  and  excellence. 

It  is  well  to  adopt  a  simple  nomenclature  for  fluid 
medicines.  Let  them  be  called  tinctures,  as  they  are 
prepared  with  alcohol,  and  specify  the  strength  ounce 
for  ounce,  of  crude  material  to  fluid  preparation. 

I  insist  that  all  vegetable  remedies  should  be  pre- 
pared from  the  recent  crude  material  obtained  at  its 
proper  season.  In  some  cases  the  remedy  does  not 
materially  deteriorate  within  the  year,  and  may  be 
kept  in  stock  until  the  next  season  for  gathering. 
But  in  all  cases  it  is  better  if  prepared  at  once  after 
gathering,  and  in  many  the  preparation  should  be 


PREPARATION   OF   REMEDIES.  33 

from  the  fresh  article  before  any  dessication.  The 
reasons  are  obvious — the  medicinal  properties  are 
found  in  the  juices  of  the  plant,  or  stored  in  its 
cells,  principally  of  the  bark.  In  both  cases  drying 
removes  the  medicinal  principle,  to  a  greater  or  less 
extent.  The  medicinal  principles  of  plants  are  to 
a  considerable  extent  complex  and  unstable  organic 
bodies,  and  time,  with  its  constant  processes  of 
change  and  decay,  changes,  deteriorates,  and  finally 
destroys  them. 

Strength  of  Fluid  Remedies.  —  As  before  re- 
marked, a  remedy  is  desirable  in  proportion  as  it  is 
easily  carried  and  dispensed,  (leaving  out  of  the 
question  its  medicinal  action),  hence  concentration 
becomes  an  important  element  of  pharmacy.  A 
skilled  manufacturer  who  has  the  proper  appliances, 
has  no  difficulty  in  removing  all  the  medicinal  prop- 
erties from  vegetable  products,  so  that  one  Troy 
ounce  of  crude  material  will  be  contained  in  one 
fluid-ounce  of  the  tincture. 

This  may  be  accomplished  by  the  simple  process 
of  percolation,  in  most  cases.  In  some  pharmacies 
this  is  supplemented  by  powerful, pressure;  in  other 
cases,  the  hydraulic  press  being  employed  with  ad- 
vantage. In  other  establishments,  the  new  process 
of  percolation  under  atmospheric  pressure,  has  been 
adopted  with  great  advantage.  Either  of  these 
methods  if  carefully  and  honestly  conduced  will 
give  reliable  and  uniform  remedies.  If  we  can 
make  up  our  minds  that  it  is  quality,  rather  than 
quantity,  that  we  should  look  after,  slight  variations 


34  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

of  strength  will  make  but  little  difference.  I  do 
not  wish  to  be  understood,  however,  as  admit- 
ting that  there  can  be  any  great  variation  of 
medicinal  strength,  if  recent  crude  material  is  used, 
and  the  product  represents  ounce  for  ounce,  and 
the  pharmaceutical  processes  have  been  skillfully 
conducted. 

Physical  Properties  of  Fluid  Remedies. — The 
fluid  preparations  should  possess  the  exact  physical 
properties  (intensified),  as  regards  odor  and  taste, 
of  the  fresh  crude  material.  It  will  have  the  color 
of  the  chlorophyll  of  the  article,  but  should  be 
clear  and  transparent,  and  give  no  sediment,  or 
muddiness  when  shaken.  These  may  seem  like 
minor  matters,  yet  we  will  find  it  profitable  to  give 
them  attention.  Skilled  pharmacy  gives  fine  look- 
ing remedies,  and  they  are  likely  to  be  good.  Un- 
skilled pharmacy  gives  dirty-looking  preparations, 
and  they  are  likely  to  be  inferior. 

We  may  judge  to  a  considerable  extent  of  the 
goodness  of  chemicals  in  the  same  way.  If  we  find 
our  Sulphate  of  Quinia  and  Morphia  presenting  the 
clear  white  silky  or  feathered  crystals,  we  are  satis- 
fied that  we  have  good  remedies.  But  if  it  is  dull, 
discolored,  crystals  faint,  broken,  or  amorphous,  we 
want  none  of  it.  So  in  the  purchase  of  the  Bro- 
mides, Iodides,  Salts  of  Potash  and  Soda,  Iron,  etc., 
we  expect  to  find  the  highest  physical  qualities, 
associated  with  purity  and  efficiency.  If  a  salt  is 
discolored,  or  in  any  wise  deficient  in  its  appear- 
ance, we  want  none  of  it. 


OFFICE   PHARMACY.  85 


OFFICE    PHAKMACY. 

There  are  good  reasons  why  every  physician 
should  have  such  knowledge  of  pharmacy,  that  he 
can  perform  or  direct  all  the  simpler  operations  for 
preparing  medicines.  Without  this  knowledge,  Jiis 
education  is  deficient,  in  that  he  has  not  that  know- 
ledge of  his  tools  which  is  so  essential  to  good  work. 
He  is  in  a  condition  to  be  imposed  upon  by  imper- 
fect and  worthless  remedies,  and  must  surely  lose 
confidence  in  medicine,  except  given  in  large  doses, 
for  its  gross  effects. 

In  country  practice,  a  knowledge  and  practice  of 
office  pharmacy  is  an  important  element  of  success. 
The  preparation  of  a  remedy  gives  an  interest  in  it 
that  leads  to  thorough  study  and  careful  use.  We 
learn  what  a  good  preparation  is,  and  its  advantages 
over  the  common  stock  in  the  drug  trade,  and  we 
will  afterward  use  moru  care  in  making  our  pur- 
chases. It  economizes  time,  saves  money,  and  cul- 
tivates habits  of  thrift,  all  of  which  are  deficient  in 
the  medical  profession. 

It  is  not  only  an  excellent  school  for  the  physi- 
cian himself,  but  is  also  an  admirable  school  for  the 
student.  It  is  a  study  of  the  Materia  Medica,  that 
gives  a  practical  knowledge  of  remedies,  and  im- 
presses the  mind  through  the  organs  of  sense,  leav- 
ing lasting  impressions. 

I  do  not  wish  to  be  understood  as  advising  the 
preparation  of  all  medicines ;  or  keeping  the  office 


36  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

dirty  ana  unsightly  with  the  refuse  of  roots,  barks, 
and  herbs.  This  is  the  opposite  of  what  we  desire ; 
skill  is  associated  with  neatness  and  cleanliness.  I 
know  some  pharmacists  that  are  so  slovenly  and 
dirty  in  person  and  surroundings,  that  I  should  not 
like  to  take  their  medicines.  (The  only  one  who 
ever  offered  an  objection  to  office  pharmacy,  had 
these  faults  in  excess.) 

A  half  dozen  neat  tin  percolators  of  the  capacity 
of  two  to  ten  pounds,  hung  in  a  closet  or  cupboard, 
with  a  large  mortar,  comprises  the  apparatus.  The 
alcohol  is  kept  in  stock,  and  the  crude  material  is 
procured  at  proper  seasons  and  used  fresh,  or  in 
some  cases  is  ordered  of  the  wholesale  druggist 
when  obtaining  other  medicines. 

The  process  of  percolation  is  a  very  simple  one. 
The  crude  material  requires  to  be  as  finely  commi- 
nuted and  as  closely  packed  in  the  percolator  as 
possible.  It  is  then  covered  with  alcohol,  and 
allowed  to  stand  for  forty-eight  hours,  when  the 
tincture  is  drawn  oft*.  Filter  it  through  paper,  and 
you  have  a  fine  looking  remedy,  that  will  give  sat- 
isfaction whenever  used. 

In  office  pharmacy  I  have  advised  the  strength 
to  be  oviij.  of  the  crude  material  to  the  pint  of 
alcohol,  because  it  is  more  easily  manipulated  by 
one  who  is  not  expert.  All  the  formula  in  this 
work  are  of  this  strength,  for  every  remedy  named 
may  be  prepared  in  the  office. 

The  physician  in  the  country  will  probably  pre- 
pare only  those  remedies  that  are  indigenous,  and 


CLASSIFICATION   OF   REMEDIES.  37 

at  the  proper  season  the  year's  supply.  It  is  not 
very  difficult  to  find  some  one  to  gather  the  crude 
material,  and  the  preparation  comes  at  that  season 
when  there  is  least  to  do. 


CLASSIFICATION   OF    KEMEDIES. 

I  have  been  in  doubt  in  regard  to  the  best  plan 
of  arranging  the  remedies  in  this  study.  Evidently 
the  old  classification  will  not  serve  our  purpose,  for 
it  deals  with  indirect  action ;  and  the  influence  of 
remedies  in  poisonous  doses.  We  have  not  ad- 
vanced far  enough  to  make  a  new  classification  ;  at 
least,  to  make  one  that  would  facilitate  our  study. 
I  have,  therefore,  concluded  to  take  up  the  different 
articles  in  alphabetical  order,  and  so  far  as  possible 
make  a  brief  review  of  our  entire  Materia  Medica. 

When  a  remedy  has  no  especial  value,  it  will  be 
named  so ;  and  when  it  seems  to  have  a  specific  ac- 
tion, not  fully  determined,  this  will  be  pointed  out 
for  future  experiment.  Self-deception  is  a  very  un- 
profitable pursuit,  and  great  care  will  therefore  be 
employed  to  insure  accuracy,  and  no  statement 
made  unless  pretty  thoroughly  proven. 

The  best  preparations,  and  the  best  process  tor 
office  manufacture  will  be  given,  also  the  form  in 
which  we  deem  it  desirable  to  use  them. 

When  we  have  thus  given  the  Materia  Medica  a 
review,  we  will  be  better  able  to  make  a  classifica- 
tion. 

Some  suggestions,  however,  as  to  the  general  in- 


38  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

dications  for  treatment,  and  use  of  remedies,  may 
not  be  out  of  place,  and  will  serve  as  a  further  illus- 
tration of  our  idea  of  specific  medication. 

In  all  acute,  and  most  chronic  diseases,  our  exam- 
ination of  the  patient  and  our  therapeutics  will  take 
this  order  :  1.  With  reference  to  the  condition  of 
the  stomach  and  intestinal  canal — bringing  them  to 
as  nearly  a  normal  condition  as  possible,  that  reme- 
dies may  be  kindly  received  and  appropriated,  and 
that  sufficient  food  may  be  taken  and  digested.  2. 
With  reference  to  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  and 
the  temperature — obtaining  a  normal  circulation  as 
regards  frequency  and  freedom,  and  a  temperature 
as  near  98°  as  possible.  3.  With  reference  to  the 
presence  of  a  zymotic  poison,  or  other  cause  of  dis- 
ease— which  may  be  neutralized,  antagonized  or  re- 
moved. 4.  With  reference  to  the  condition  of 
the  nervous  system — giving  good  innervation.  5. 
With  reference  to  the  processes  of  waste  and  excre- 
tion— that  the  worn-out  or  enfeebled  material  may 
be  broken  down  and  speedily  removed  from  the 
body.  6.  With  reference  to  blood-making  and 
repair — that  proper  material  be  furnished  for  the 
building  of  tissue,  and  that  the  processes  of  nutri- 
tion are  normally  conducted. 

These  are  general  outlines  for  the  study  of  dis- 
ease,* and  the  action  of  remedies  in  antagonizing  it, 
and  may  aid  in  giving  direction  to  our  study,  and 
enable  each  one  to  make  a  classification  of  remedies 
for  himself.  A  brief  consideration  of  each  one, 
with    examples   of    the   application   of    remedies, 


CLASSIFICATION   OF   REMEDIES.  39 

though  it  will  be  a  repetition,  may  be  of  advantage 
to  the  student. 

1.  The  condition  of  the  stomach  is  of  first  im- 
portance in  the  treatment  of  disease.  It  must  be 
in  such  condition  that  it  will  receive  remedies 
kindly,  and  permit  their  speedy  absorption,  in  order 
that  they  give  us  the  desired  results.  Surely,  it  is 
not  difficult  to  see  the  necessity  of  this,  if  we  take 
no  further  view  than  to  obtain  the  curative  ac- 
tion of  remedies.  If  the  stomach  does  not  receive 
a  remedy  kindly,  is  irritated  by  it,  we  can  not  ex- 
pect ready  absorption,  or  the  complete  curative 
action.  If  the  stomach  throws  out  its  juices,  which 
digest  or  decompose  a  remedy,  we  can  not  expect 
its  curative  action.  If  the  stomach  is  secreting 
mucus  in  large  quantity,  if  it  is  in  that  condition  in 
which  it  is  but  a  receptacle  or  retainer,  then  we  can 
not  expect  the  ready  absorption  of  remedies,  and 
will  not  get  their  curative  action. 

We  are  accustomed  to  specify  two  conditions  of 
the  stomach,  which  may  be  tolerably  easily  deter- 
mined by  constant  symptoms,  and  which  should 
always  be  corrected.     These  are  : — 

Irritation  of  the  stomach,  marked  by  a  reddened 
(bright)  tongue,  elongated  and  pointed,  with  some- 
times reddened  and  erect  papillse.  It  is  accom- 
panied with  unpleasant  sensations  of  constriction, 
and  tenderness  on  pressure  over  the  epigastrium. 
There  may  be  nausea,  retching,  or  vomiting ;  and 
in  the  severer  cases,  when  prolonged,  an  irritation 


40  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

of  the  sympathetic,  and  finally  of  the  spinal  and 
cerebral  nervous  systems. 

Its  treatment  takes  precedence  of  everything 
else,  for  until  removed  we  can  not  expect  the  kindly 
or  definite  action  of  remedies. 

The  remedies  employed  for  its  removal  are : 
minute  doses  of  Aconite ;  small  doses  of  Ipecac  or 
Lobelia ;  Hydrocyanic  Acid,  or  better,  a  prepara- 
tion of  the  bark  of  the  Peach  tree;  Rhubarb; 
Bismuth.  These  may  be  aided  by  the  external  use 
of  the  cold  pack,  hot  fomentations,  or  rubefacient 
application,  and  sometimes  an  enema  to  remove  the 
torpor  of  the  lower  bowel.  From  twelve  to  forty- 
eight  hours,  is  usually  the  time  required  to  effect  it. 

But,  the  reader  may  ask,  why  if  remedies  are 
specific,  name  so  many  for  the  relief  of  so  simple  a 
pathological  condition  as  gastric  irritation  ?  The 
question  is  pertinent,  and  we  will  endeavor  to 
answer  it.  Each  of  these  remedies  has  a  direct  ac- 
tion in  this  condition,  and  each  may  be  relied  upon 
as  a  remedy.  We  choose  the  remedy,  however, 
with  reference  to  the  association  of  diseased  action, 
and  in  some  cases  one  will  be  found  best,  in  others 
another. 

b.  The  atonic  stomach,  with  increased  secretion 
of  mucus,  and  sometimes  with  considerable  accu- 
mulations. It  is  marked  by  the  broad  tongue, 
heavily  coated  at  its  base,  bad  taste  in  the  mouth, 
and  feeling  of  weight  and  heaviness  in  the  epigas- 
trium. The  symptoms  are  distinct,  and  can  not  be 
mistaken. 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    REMEDIES.  41 

When  the  condition  is  pronounced,  in  severer 
forms  of  disease,  there  is  no  means  which  will  reach 
it  so  directly  and  speedily  as  an  emetic.  It  needs 
to  he  prompt  and  thorough  in  action,  not  producing 
debility  or  leaving  the  organ  irritable.  If  not  re- 
quiring this,  we  may  accomplish  the  same  object 
by  the  use  of  the  Alkaline  Sulphites,  followed  by 
Nax  Vomica. 

We  have  many  minor  lesions  that  can  not  be 
classified  under  these,  to  which  we  will  find  single 
remedies  specific.  Thus  in  simple  nausea  and  vom- 
iting, without  irritation,  we  prescribe  Kux  Vomica. 
In  typhoid  disease,  with  tumid  mucous  tissues,  the 
Baptisia.  Increased  mucous  secretion  with  irrita- 
bility, Oxide  of  Zinc.  Imperfect  gastric  secretion, 
Hydrastis.  Increased  mucous  secretion  with  im- 
paired functional  activity,  minute  doses  of  Podo- 
phyllum, etc.* 

2.  We  recognize  the  fact,  that  just  in  proportion  to 
the  variation  of  the  circulation  and  temperature  from  the 
normal  standard  is  the  severity  and  activity  of  disease. 
The  more  frequent  the  pulse,  and  the  higher  the 
temperature,  the  more  active  a  zymotic  poison,  the 
more  rapid  the  progress  of  local  or  general  disease, 
and  the  less  able  the  body  to  protect  itself,  or  expel 
the  cause  of  disease.  The  rule  here  is  absolute,  and 
there  is  no  variation  from  it. 

In  therapeutics  we  find — that  just  in  proportion  as 
the  circulation  and  temperature  can  be  brought  to,  and 

*See  Practice  of  Medicine,  page  27. 
4 


42  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

maintained  at  the  normal  standard,  just  in  that  propor- 
tion are  the  processes  of  disease  arrested,  and  vital  pro- 
cesses re-established. 

These  facts  must  surely  have  been  noticed  by  ob- 
servers, and  we  can  only  wonder  that  they  have 
never  been  clearly  stated,  and  practiced  upon. 

If  we  take  as  an  example  a  case  of  fever,  we  will 
find  that  remedies  that  will  reduce  the  pulse  to  a 
normal  frequency,  giving  freedom  to  the  circula- 
tion, will  reduce  the  temperature,  and  that  just  in 
proportion  as  this  is  accomplished,  the  febrile  symp- 
toms disappear,  and  the  various  vital  functions  are 
re-established.  If  we  maintain  the  circulation  and 
temperature  at  this  point,  the  fever  must  certainly 
cease. 

In  acute  inflammation,  the  rapidity  of  the  local 
disease  and  destruction  of  tissue,  is  in  the  ratio  of 
frequency  of  pulse  and  increase  of  temperature. 
Just  in  proportion  as  we  get  a  normal  circulation 
with  reference  to  frequency  and  freedom,  and 
diminished  temperature,  just  in  that  proportion  the 
inflammatory  process  is  arrested. 

In  asthenic  inflammation  we  find  another  element 
in  the  pathology  of  the  disease — a  want  of  vital 
power,  either  in  the  whole  or  in  the  part.  This 
must  be  antagonized  by  appropriate  remedies.  In 
others  there  is  a  zymotic  or  animal  poison,  which 
must  be  antagonized,  destroyed,  or  removed. 

In  chronic  disease  the  law  is  just  as  absolute  as 
in  the  acute.  Given,  any  disease  of  function  or 
structure,  with  a  pulse  maintained  constantly  above 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    REMEDIES.  43 

100  beats  per  minute,  and  a  temperature  above  100°, 
and  the  patient  must  die.  The  disease,  as  a  general 
rule,  will  run  its  course  rapidly  to  a  fatal  termina- 
tion just  in  proportion  to  the  extent  of  this  devia- 
tion. 

Recovery  from  chronic  disease .  never  takes  place 
until  the  circulation  and  temperature  approximate 
a  normal  standard.  In  any  given  case,  the  proba- 
bilities of  cure  are  as  the  possibility  of  bringing  and 
maintaining  the  circulation  and  temperature  at  the 
standard  of  health.  The  first  evidences  of  amend- 
ment are  announced  by  a  diminution  of  frequency 
of  pulse  and  a  better  circulation  of  blood,  and  by 
an  equal  temperature  of  the  body,  approximating 
98°.  These  seem  like  dogmatic  statements,  and 
many  will  be  inclined  to  dispute  them,  because  op- 
posed or  not  named  by  the  common  authorities  on 
medicine,  but  it  only  requires  observation  without 
prejudice  to  prove  each  position. 

We  may  claim  then,  that  remedies  influencing  the 
circulation  and  temperature,  toward  the  normal 
standard,  are  the  most  important  of  the  Materia 
Medica. 

In  very  many  cases  the  lesion  of  the  circulation 
is  a  basic  lesion,  upon  which  others  arise  and  are 
continued.  When  this  is  the  case,  the  remedy  that 
gives  us  normal  circulation  removes  all  the  diseased 
processes  which  rest  upon  it.  Thus  we  will  find 
that  arrest  of  secretion  and  excretion,  lesions  of  in- 
nervation, of  waste  and  nutrition,  as  well  as  the  in- 
tensity of  zymotic  causes,  are  in  proportion  to  the 


44  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

rapidity  of  the  circulation.  Conversely,  as  the 
pulse  comes  down  to  the  normal  standard,  and  the 
blood  circulates  freely,  just  in  that  proportion  we 
have  a  restoration  of  the  secretions  and  excretions, 
better  innervation,  better  digestion  and  blood-mak- 
ing, and  a  more  active  waste  and  repair. 

Have  we  remedies  that  influence  the  circulation 
directly,  giving  a  free  and  equal  circulation,  with 
diminution  of  frequency  ?  Many  of  our  readers 
will  have  asked  this  question  before  this,  and  an- 
swered it  in  the  negative.  Certain  remedies  will 
have  been  recommended  to  them  as  special  sedatives, 
which  they  have  used  without  the  good  results 
named  and  expected.  How  is  this  ?  It  is  a  com- 
mon failing  with  physicians  to  expect  a  desired  re- 
sult too  soon,  and  endeavor  to  force  it  by  large  doses 
of  medicine.  This  has  been  a  common  cause  of 
failure  in  the  use  of  Veratrum  and  Aconite.  Others 
have  purchased  worthless  medicines,  which  will 
readily  account  for  the  failure.  Taking  the  article 
of  Veratrum  alone,  and  excepting  Norwood's  Tinc- 
ture, nine-tenths  that  has  been  sold  was  wholly 
worthless  as  a  medicine. 

The  theory  with  regard  to  the  action  of  the  class 
of  special  sedatives  was  erroneous.  They  were  re- 
garded as  depressants,  and  diminished  frequency  of 
pulse  was  supposed  to  depend  upon  their  depressing 
influence  upon  the  heart.  It  was  the  common  error 
of  large  doses  and  poisonous  action.  All  of  these 
remedies  are  active  poisons  in  large  doses,  and 
death  occurs  in  all  by  cardiac  syncope.     In  the  cases 


CLASSIFICATION   OF   REMEDIES.  45 

of  Veratrum,  Digitalis,  Lobelia  and  Gelseminum, 
slowness  of  pulse  is  a  prominent  symptom  of  the 
poisonous  action.  In  the  case  of  Aconite,  extreme 
frequency  of  pulse  is  produced  by  the  poisonous 
action. 

In  medicinal  doses  (small),  the  influence  of  these 
remedies  is  that  of  a  cardiac  stimulant,  and  is  un- 
doubtedly through  the  sympathetic  system  of 
nerves,  which  controls  the  entire  circulation  of  the 
blood — not  only  the  action  of  the  heart,  but  of  all 
the  blood-vessels  to  the  most  minute  capillary.  I 
contend  that  this  influence  removes  obstruction  to 
the  free  circulation  of  the  blood,  as  well  as  gives 
power  to  heart  and  muscular  fibre  of  arteries.  As 
obstruction  to  free  circulation  is  removed,  it  requires 
less  effort  to  move  the  blood  ;  as  the  power  of  mov- 
ing the  blood  is  increased  there  is  less  necessity  of 
frequency  of  contraction  upon  the  part  of  the  heart. 

As  a  rule,  the  time  required  to  effect  sedation 
will  bear  a  distinct  relation  to  the  time  required  for 
the  development  of  disease,  and  its  average  dura- 
tion. Thus  in  an  acute  fever  or  inflammation  from 
cold,  the  influence  of  the  sedative  maybe  promptly 
obtained,  and  the  disease  speedily  arrested.  In 
continued  fever,  the  accession  of  the  disease  (in 
most  cases),  is  slow  in  proportion  to  its  duration  and 
severity.  Here  there  are  grave  lesions  of  function, 
possibly  of  structure,  and  we  expect  to  obtain  the 
influence  of  the  sedative  slowly.* 

*See  Principles  of  Medicine,  pp.  219,  264.    The  Eclectic  P^e 
tice  of  Medicine,  page  94. 


46  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

Whilst  each  of  the  remedies  named  as  arterial 
sedatives,  Aconite,  Veratrum,  Digitalis,  Gelsemi- 
num,  Lobelia,  exert  a  direct  influence  in  this  direc- 
tion, they  are  not  equally  valuable  in  all  cases. 
The  two  first  are  pre-eminently  the  sedatives,  their 
action  being  more  definite  and  stronger,  and  adapted 
to  a  larger  number  of  cases.  The  special  adapta- 
tion of  each  to  special  forms  of  diseased  action  is 
named  in  the  description  of  the  remedy. 

The  temperature  bears  such  a  constant  relation 
to  the  frequency  of  pulse,  and  general  condition  of 
the  circulation,  that  a  remedy  which  will  correct 
the  one  will  also  correct  the  other.  Thus  we  find 
in  practice  that  just  as  we  bring  the  pulse  to  the 
normal  standard  by  the  use  of  an  arterial  sedative, 
in  the  same  degree  we  reduce  the  temperature. 
This  is  the  case  in  chronic  as  well  as  in  acute  dis- 
ease. For  instance,  in  a  case  of  phthisis  we  find  a 
temperature  of  101°  associated  with  a  pulse  above 
100  beats  per  minute  ;  if  it  is  possible  to  bring  the 
pulse  down  to  80  the  temperature  comes  down  to 
98°  and  a  fraction.  If  this  can  be  maintained  we 
find  a  cessation  of  tubercular  deposit,  and  a  repara- 
tive process  set  up  in  the  lungs. 

"We  have  some  special  means  to  influence  the 
temperature,  outside  of  the  remedies  acting  upon 
the  circulation.  A  full  description  of  them  would 
be  out  of  place  here,  but  may  be  found  iu  my  Prin- 
ciples of  Medicine,  p.  40. 

3.  The  field  of  therapeutics  embraced  in  our  third 
proposition  is  very  large,  and  will  well  repay  careful 


CLASSIFICATION    OF    REMEDIES.  47 

study.  Whilst  zymotic  causes  have  been  recog- 
nized in  many  of  the  severe  acute  diseases,  but  little 
has  been  done  to  determine  their  character,  or  the 
means  to  antidote  them.  Possibly  the  observations 
of  Prof.  Polli,  with  regard  to  the  influence  of  the 
Alkaline  Sulphites,  was  the  first  important  step  in 
this  direction. 

The  presence  of  such  blood  poison  is  readily  de- 
tected, and  we  have  advanced  so  far  in  our  knowl- 
edge of  remedies,  that  in  many  cases  we  can  select 
the  antidote  with  much  certainty.  I  do  not  wish 
to -be  understood  as  claiming  that  we  have  any 
remedies  that  will  immediately  unite  with  all  of  a 
zymotic  poison  in  the  blood,  destroy  it,  and  at  once 
restore  health.  Such  an  influence  could  not  reason- 
ably be  expected.  But  we  have  remedies  which, 
introduced  into  the  blood,  will  antagonize  the  zy- 
motic poison,  as  it  comes  in  contact  with  it,  arrest- 
ing its  septic  influence,  or  wholly  destroying  it.  In 
some  cases  they  act  rapidly,  in  others  slowly,  but 
in  all,  if  properly  selected,  with  great  certainty. 

The  principal  remedies  of  this  class  are  the  Alka- 
line Sulphites,  (Sulphite  of  Soda  being  in  most 
common  use)  and  the  mineral  acids.  The  rules  for 
the  selection  of  the  one  or  the  other  of  these  are 
quite  simple,  and  very  definite  : 

In  any  given  case  presenting  a  pallid  tongue, 
with  white,  or  dirty-white,  pasty  coating,  use  the 
Alkaline  Sulphites. 

In  any  given  case  presenting  a  deep-red  tongue 
with  brownish  coatings,  or  deep-red  glossy  tongue, 


48  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

and  dark  sordes,  use  mineral  acids.  In  some  cases 
we  employ  Sulphurous  Acid,  but  in  the  majority, 
Muriatic  Acid. 

Of  our  indigenous  Materia  Medica  we  have  but 
one  remedy  that  markedly  possesses  these  proper- 
ties, and  it  possesses  it  in  high  degree.  This  rem- 
edy is  the  Baptisia  Tinctoria,  which  may  be  used  in 
either  of  the  cases  named,  but  is  especially  valued 
in  the  last. 

The  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that  the  activity  of 
a  zymotic  poison  is  in  exact  proportion  to  the  de- 
parture from  normal  function.  With  a  rapid  pulse, 
high  temperature,  and  arrest  of  secretion,  its  devel- 
opment is  rapid  and  its  devitalizing  influence 
marked.  Or  in  the  rare  opposite  case  of  congestive 
intermittent  and  cholera,  as  the  circulation  is  en- 
feebled, and  the  temperature  lowered,  its  progress 
is  rapid. 

Hence,  in  order  to  antagonize  a  zymotic  process, 
it  is  necessary,  so  far  as  possible,  to  obtain  a  normal 
circulation  and  temperature.  This  proposition  can 
not  be  too  strongly  insisted  upon.  In  a  given  case, 
the  circulation  and  temperature  being  favorably  in- 
fluenced by  Aconite  and  Veratrum,  Sulphite  of 
Soda  exerts  an  immediate  and  marked  controlling 
influence  over  the  fever  poison.  Whilst  if  it  had 
been  given  without  such  preparation  it  would  have 
had  no  influence  at  all,  or  but  slight  influence. 

Some  causes  of  disease  are  destroyed  and  removed 
by  remedies  that  increase  waste  and  excretion.  Pre- 
parations of  Potash  and  Soda,  especially  the  alka- 


CLASSIFICATION    OF   REMEDIES.  49 

line  diuretics  act  in  this  way.  There  are  some 
organic  remedies  that  exert  a  direct  influence  upon 
causes  of  disease,  modifying  or  destroying  them,  as 
may  he  instanced  in  the  action  of  Phytolacca  in 
diphtheria.  This  action,  however,  in  the  majority 
of  cases,  is  feehle. 

Causes  of  disease  acting  in  and  from  the  blood, 
are  frequently  removed  by  stimulating  the  excretory 
organs.  Some  are  removed  principally  by  the  skin, 
others  by  the  bowels,  others  by  the  kidneys. 

The  cause  of  periodic  disease,  whatever  it  may 
be,  plays  a  very  important  part  in  the  diseases  of 
some  localities.  Antagonize  this  cause,  and  the 
disease  ceases,  or  at  least  is  very  much  modified. 
Hence  in  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  of  the  West, 
antiperiodics  become  the  most  important  remedies. 

Quinia  is  a  true  specific,  and  may  be  taken  as  the 
type  of  these  remedies.  It  fails  frequently,  possibly 
it  is  administered  nine  times  where  its  specific  action 
is  obtained  once.  But  it  is  not  the  fault  of  the 
remedy,  but  of  the  doctor.  If  the  diagnosis  is  cor- 
rectly made,  and  the  system  is  prepared  for  its  ad- 
ministration, it  will  rarely  fail,  even  when  given  in 
a  single  sufficient  dose. 

I  am  satisfied  that  the  study  of  the  direct  antag- 
onism of  remedies  to  causes  of  disease,  must  ad- 
vance the  progress  of  rational  medicine.  It  is  pos- 
sible, and  I  deem  it  probable,  that  such  research 
will  give  us  remedies  controlling  all  zymotic  disease 
in  its  early  stage. 

4.  The  human  body  is  a  complex  structure,  united 
5 


50  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

in  functional  activity  by  a  nervous  system.  As  this 
exerts  a  controlling  influence,  we  should  expect  that 
its  lesions  would  form  a  very  important  element  of 
the  study  of  pathology.  This  has  not  been  the  case, 
however,  and  we  find  pathologists  and  therapeutists 
giving  it  but  very  little  attention.  It  is  a  wide  field 
for  study,  and  its  cultivation  will  greatly  advance 
medical  science. 
A  few  suggestions  may  not  be  out  of  place  here : 
Those  functions  which  we  have  been  accustomed 
to  speak  of  as  vegetative,  are  associated  together,  and 
to  some  extent  governed  by  the  ganglionic  or  sym- 
pathetic nervous  system.  It  comprises  digestion, 
blood-making,  the  circulation  of  the  blood,  nutri- 
tion, and  secretion  and  excretion — these  are  the  es- 
sentially vital  functions,  in  the  performance  of 
which  man  has  life.  If  they  are  properly  performed, 
he  has  healthy  life,  if  there  is  an  aberration  in 
either  of  them,  one  or  more,  he  has  diseased  life. 
Is  it  possible  to  have  disease,  without  a  lesion  of  one 
of  these  ?  I  think  the  reader  will  say  it  is  not. 
If  this  be  so,  then  this  ganglionic  system  of  nerves 
must  play  an  important  part  in  every  disease.* 

Control  and  association  of  these  vital  processes 
being  in  the  ganglionic  system  of  nerves,  we  would 
naturally  expect  it  to  furnish  the  readiest  means  of 
reaching  them  aud  correcting  their  lesions.  If 
there  are  remedies  then  that  influence  the  gangli- 
onic nerves  directly,  and  through  them  the  vital 

*See  Principles  of  Medicine,  page  306. 


CLASSIFICATION   OF    REMEDIES.  51 

processes  of  the  body,  they  must  become  oar  most 
direct  and  important  therapeutic  means.  It  is  in 
this  way  that  a  large  number  of  specific  remedies 
act,  as  I  believe.  The  sedatives,  Aconite,  Veratrum, 
Gelseminum,  Lobelia  and  others,  as  Cactus,  Bella- 
donna, Eryngium,  Phytolacca,  Hamamelis,  Pulsa- 
tilla, etc.,  very  certainly  produce  their  effects 
through  it. 

The  association  of  the  spinal-cord  with  the  sym- 
pathetic brings  vital  functions  in  relation  with  our 
conscious  life,  and  through  its  superior  expansion 
the  brain,  adds  suffering  from  disease.  Conversely, 
mal-conditions  of  conscious  life  are  reflected  through 
this  association  and  influence  vital  processes. 

Whilst,  therefore,  it  is  very  important  to  reach 
lesions  of  vegetative  life  directly  through  the  gan- 
glionic system  of  nerves,  it  is  no  less  important  to 
control  any  disease  producing  influence  that  might 
be  extended  from  the  cerebro-spinal  centres. 

5.  Lesions  of  waste  and  excretion  are  elements  of 
every  disease.  In  some  they  form  a  principal  part, 
in  others  in  less  degree,  but  in  all  they  require  to 
be  estimated  in  diagnosis  and  therapeutics.  They 
range  themselves  under  the  common  classification 
of  excess,  defect,  and  perversion,  and  usually  it  is 
not  difficult  to  determine  their  character,  and  select 
means  that  exert  a  direct  influence. 

Constant  waste  is  a  necessity  of  life,  as  is  constant 
removal  of  this  waste.  If  the  materials  of  the  body 
are  not  broken  down  and  removed  as  they  have 
served  their  purpose,  the  body  is  old,  imperfect,  and 


52  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

has  lost  functional  power  to  this  extent.  If  the 
material  is  broken  down  and  removed  to  the  blood, 
hut  not  carried  out  by  the  excretions,  we  will  have 
an  impairment  of  life  from  its  presence  in  the 
blood.  I  have  given  this  subject  full  consideration 
in  my  Principles  of  Medicine,  pp.  116  to  185,  to 
which  the  reader  is  referred. 

Too  rapid  waste  of  tissue  is  sometimes  an  impor- 
tant element  of  disease,  requiring  care  in  diagnosis 
and  the  application  of  remedies. 

A  perversion  in  waste  and  excretion  is  a  common 
element  of  disease.  In  the  breaking  down  of  a 
protean  body,  it  passes  through  many  phases,  and 
in  its  metamorphosis,  it  assumes  forms  that  are 
noxious  to  life,  if  they  have  any  degree  of  perma- 
nency, or  are  in  any  considerable  quantity.  Lesions 
in  retrograde  metamorphosis  are  therefore  to  be  esti- 
mated, and  remedies  which  influence  it  become  im- 
portant. 

We  have  already  noticed  that  many  causes  of 
disease  act  in  and  from  the  blood.  They  are  zy- 
motic poisons,  or  animal  matter  undergoing  change, 
and  influence  the  blood  and  life  in  different  degree, 
in  proportion  to  their  quantity,  and  especially  in 
proportion  to  their  activity  in  setting  up  the  septic 
process.  These  may  be  antagonized  or  destroyed 
in  many  cases ;  in  others  the  natural  process  of  re- 
trograde metamorphosis  is  stimulated,  and  they  are 
transformed  into  urea  and  other  innocuous  bodies 
fitted  for  excretion  by  kidneys,  skin  and  bowels. 
Means  that  increase  the  activity  of  these  excretions 


CLASSIFICATION   OF   REMEDIES.  '53 

are  frequently  sufficient  for  the  removal  of  such 
causes  of  disease. 

6.  The  necessity  of  regarding  the  nutritive  pro- 
cesses during  the  progress  of  disease,  is  now  admit- 
ted by  all  advanced  physicians,  and  insisted  upon 
by  such  writers  as  Chambers,  Anstie,  Bennett  and 
others.  Experience  has  conclusively  proven  that 
proper  food  with  good  condition  of  the  digestive 
apparatus,  without  medicine,  give  a  success  in  the 
treatment  of  the  graver  acute  diseases,  that  was 
never  obtained  by  any  other  method  of  treatment. 

As  we  have  already  seen,  the  condition  of  the 
stomach  and  digestive  apparatus  is  of  first  impor- 
tance in  all  forms  of  disease,  and  its  lesions  demand 
first  attention  in  our  therapeutics.  We  have  shown 
that  this  was  essential  to  the  successful  administra- 
tion of  remedies,  it  is  no  less  necessary  that  the 
patient  may  take  and  appropriate  proper  food. 

The  administration  of  remedies  that  increase 
functional  activity  of  the  digestive  apparatus,  or  aid 
in  the  digestive  process,  are  sometimes  important 
means.  The  selection  of  appropriate  food,  and  the 
use  of  restoratives  is  supplemental  to  this.  The 
object  is  to  place  the  digestive  organs  in  good  con- 
dition to  receive  and  prepare  food  for  admission  to 
the  blood ;  to  furnish  such  material  to  the  blood 
as  may  be  necessary  for  its  perfect  organization, 
and  for  the  renewal  of  tissue. 


54  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

ABIES  CANADENSIS. 
(Hemlock.) 

This  agent  has  been  employed  in  medicine  for  a 
long  time — the  bark  in  decoction  as  an  astringent, 
the  foliage  in  hot  infusion  as  a  diuretic  and  diapho- 
retic, and  the  oil  as  a  stimulant  local  application. 
It  undoubtedly  possessess  valuable  properties.  The 
following  properties  and  uses  are  suggested  to  those 
who  live  where  it  may  readily  be  obtained  : 

1st.  A  tincture  of  the  recent  mnerbarkin  diluted 
alcohol ;  use  in  general  asthenia  with  pallid  mucous 
membranes,  and  feeble  digestion  :  also,  in  diseases 
of  the  respiratory  mucous  membranes. 

2nd.  A  tincture  of  the  foliage  in  dilute  alcohol ; 
use  in  irritation  of  the  urinary  organs,  and  in  dis- 
ease of  the  skin. 

iESCULUS  GLABRA, 
(Buckeye.) 

Preparation. — Whilst  the  bark  possesses  medicinal 
properties  in  considerable  degree,  and  maybe  used, 
a  tincture  of  the  nuts  will  probably  be  the  best 
preparation. 

Take  of  the  recent  nuts,  fully  ripened,  four 
ounces  ;  bruise  them  thoroughly,  and  cover  with 
alcohol  76°  one  pint ;  let  it  stand  for  two  weeks ; 
strain  and  filter. 

Of  this  tincture  add  from  one  to  two  drachms  to 
four  ounces  of  water — the  dose  being  one  teaspoon- 
ful. 


.ESCULUS    GLABRA.  55 

The  buckeye  has  been  used  to  but  a  limited  ex- 
tent in  medicine,  yet  its  activity  is  such  (as  a 
poison),  that  it  will  probably  prove  very  valuable 
when  thoroughly  studied.  In  my  boyhoodr  I  well 
remember  persons  carrying  "  buckeyes  "  in  their 
pockets  as  a  sovereign  cure  for  "  piles,"  and  at  a 
later  period  as  a  remedy  for  rheumatism.  Doubt- 
less this  suggested  the  first  use  of  the  ^Esculus  in 
medicine. 

It  has  been  used  in  the  treatment  of  hemorrhoids 
with*much  success,  and  I  am  satisfied  that  in  some 
forms  of  the  disease  it  is  the  most  certain  remedy 
we  possess.  I  have  also  given  it  in  a  few  cases  of 
diseased  uterus  with  good  results — cases  in  which 
the  entire  organ  was  enlarged,  the  cervix  tumid, 
with  too  frequent  recurrence  of  the  menstrual  flow. 

The  marked  influence  of  the  ^Esculus  on  the  ner- 
vous system  would  suggest  a  line  of  experiment 
likely  to  lead  to  the  development  of  valuable  prop- 
erties. It  has  already  been  employed  as  a  stimu- 
lant to  the  nervous  system  in  some  cases  of  paraly- 
sis. 

We  may  reason  in  this  way :  a  remedy  that  cures 
hemorrhoids  must  exert  a  powerful  influence  upon 
the  circulation ;  whilst  its  poisonous  action,  often 
witnessed  —  vertigo,  diminished  sight,  wry  neck, 
fixed  eyes,  paralysis,  convulsions,  etc.,  show  its  in- 
fluence upon  the  nervous  system. 


56  SPECIFIC ,  MEDICATION. 

^ESCULTJS  HIPPOCASTANUM. 
(Horse  Chestnut.) 

Preparation. — Take  of  the  recent  nut,  fully  ripe, 
four  ounces,  bruise  it  thoroughly,  and  cover  with 
alcohol  76°  one  pint ;  let  it  stand  fourteen  days  and 
filter. 

Dose,  two  to  four  drops,  in  water. 

The  bark  of  this  variety  has  been  employed  to  a 
limited  extent  as  a  tonic,  and  possesses  feeble  anti- 
periodic  powers.  Quinine  being  employed  to  break 
the  chill,  this  agent  was  sufficient  to  prevent  its  re- 
currence. The  pulverized  kernel  has  been  used  as 
a  sternutatory  for  the  relief  of  headache  and  facial 
neuralgia.  The  nuts  were  also  thought  to  possess 
some  special  influence  over  hemorrhoids  and  rheu- 
matism. 

The  influence  upon  the  nervous  system  is  similar 
in  kind  to  the  buckeye,  though  not  so  active.  This 
probably  will  be  its  best  field  of  action,  standing 
midway  between  Belladonna  on  the  one  hand  and 
Nux  Vomica  on  the  other. 

It  exerts  the  same  influence  upon  the  circulation 
as  the  ^Esculus  Glabra,  and  has  been  successfully 
employed  in  the  treatment  of  hemorrhoids.  It  will 
doubtless  be  found  to  improve  the  circulation  gen- 
erally, and  may  be  employed  whenever  there  is 
want  of  power  in  the  heart,  capillary  stasis,  or  ten- 
dency to  congestion. 


ACIDS.  57 


ACIDS. 


There  is  a  specific  use  for  acids  in  the  treatment 
of  disease,  which  we  wish  to  study  carefully.  In 
any  form  of  disease  we  may  have  an  excess  of  the 
alkaline  salts  of  the  blood.  This  may  be  the  basis 
of  diseased  action,  or  but  a  complication  rendering 
it  more  intense,  but  whether  the  one  or  the  other, 
it  needs  to  be  recognized  and  have  direct  treat- 
ment. 

The  indications  of  excessive  alkalinity  are  very 
plain,  and  need  not  be  mistaken  by  the  youngest 
practitioner.  The  color  of  the  mucous  membranes 
is  deep  red,  especially  of  mouth  and  tongue ;  the 
coating  of  tongue,  sordes,  or  any  exudative  mate- 
rial, has  a  dark  color,  usually  brownish.  It  makes 
no  difference  what  the  diseased  action  is,  in  its  to- 
tality, or  what  it  is  called,  the  deep  red,  somewhat 
dusky  color  always  demands  the  administration  of 
acids. 

There  is  but  one  exception  to  this,  and  that  is  a 
rare  one,  in  which  the  excess  is  of  Soda,  but  with  a 
defect  of  Potash.  In  this  case  the  administration 
of  a  Salt  of  Potash  will  answer  a  better  purpose 
than  the  Acid,  or  may  be  combined  with  it. 

The  Muriatic  Acid  is  preferable  in  most  acute 
cases,  and'  should  be  used  so  diluted,  and  in  such 
quantity,  as  to  be  pleasant  to  the  patient,  and  until 
the  indication  for  its  use  is  removed.  Lactic  Acid 
is  sometimes  preferable  with  children,  and  in  some 


58  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

cases  of  chronic  disease,  especially  when  associated 
with  indigestion.  The  vegetable  Acids  may  be  used 
in  acute  disease,  but  are  not  so  good  as  those 
named. 

ALKALIES. 

It  is  well  to  consider  the  specific  use  of  alkalies  in 
this  relation ;  as  they  are  the  opposite  of  acids. 
We  may  say  of  these,  as  of  acids,  that  their  defi- 
ciency is  found  as  a  constituent  element  in  all  forms 
of  disease — in  some  cases  being  the  basis  of  a  mor- 
bid action,  in  others  but  a  complication  ;  but,  when- 
ever found,  an  important  element  and  demanding 
direct  treatment. 

The  symptoms  of  deficiency  of  these  salts  of  the 
blood  are  very  plain,  and,  using  the  language  of  the 
Prophet,  "  He  who  runs  may  read."  The  tongue 
is  pallid  and  broad,  its  coating  pasty  and  white,  or 
yellowish  white.  The  mucous  membranes  are  uni- 
formly pallid.  As  these  evidences  are  absolute  and 
readily  determined,  it  is  not  necessary  to  name 
others  not  so  constant. 

Whenever  we  find  this  deficiency  of  the  alkaline 
salts  we  will  observe,  as  the  result :  loss  of  power 
in  the  stomach,  enfeebled  digestion  and  slow  ab- 
sorption, impairment  of  the  circulation,  arrest  of 
nutrition  and  waste,  and  enfeebled  innervation. 
These  will  correspond  in  degree  to  the  deficiency. 

So  marked  are  these  results,  that  I  have  long  re- 
garded the  diagnosis,  with  regard  to  excess  or  defi- 
ciency of  the  alkaline  salts,  as  of  the  highest  im- 


ALKALIES.  59 

portance.  Indeed  in  some  forms  of  disease,  espe- 
cially of  a  typhoid  character,  it  is  the  principal  ele- 
ment upon  which  a  successful  treatment  is  based. 

Soda  is  the  natural  salt  of  the  blood,  and  exists 
in  the  body  in  the  largest  proportion.  Whenever, 
therefore,  we  have  the  evidence  of  deficiency  of  the 
alkaline  salts,  and  uo  special  symptoms  indicating 
others  we  will  give  a  Salt  of  Soda.  In  many  cases 
I  order  Bicarbonate  of  Soda  in  water,  in  such  quan- 
tity that  it  will  make  a  pleasant  drink,  and  let  the 
patient  have  it  freely. 

If,  at  the  same  time,  we  wish  an  antiseptic  influ- 
ence, we  may  give  the  Sulphite  or  Hoposulphite  of 
Soda  or  the  Chloride  of  Sodium. 

I  am  satisfied  that  I  have  seen  patients  die  from 
deprivation  of  common  salt  during  a  protracted 
illness.  It  is  a  common  impression  that  the  food 
for  the  sick  should  not  be  seasoned,  and  whatever 
slop  may  be  given,  it  is  almost  innocent  of  this  es- 
sential of  life.  In  the  milk  diet  that  I  recommend 
in  sickness,  common  salt  is  used  freely,  the  milk 
being  boiled  and  given  hot.  And  if  the  patient 
can  not  take  the  usual  quantity  in  his  food,  I  have 
it  given  in  his  drink.  This  matter  is  so  important 
that  it  can  not  be  repeated  too  often,  or  dwelt  upon 
too  long. 

The  most  marked  example  of  this  want  of  com- 
mon salt  I  have  ever  noticed  has  been  in  surgical 
disease,  especially  in  open  wounds.  Without  a 
supply  of  salt  the  tongue  would  become  broad, 
pallid,  puffy,  with  a  tenacious  pasty  coat,  the  effusion 


CO  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

at  tJae  point  of  injury  serous,  with  an  unpleasant 
watery  pus,  which  at  last  becomes  a  mere  sanies  or 
ichor.  A  few  days  of  a  free  allowance  of  salt  would 
change  all  this,  and  the  patient  would  get  along  well. 

A  Salt  of  Potash  is  indicated  where  there  is  fee- 
bleness of  the  muscles  to  greater  extent  than  can  be 
accounted  for  by  the  disease.  Occasionally  such 
want  is  expressed  in  a  marked  manner  by  feebleness 
of  the  heart. 

Ammonia  will,  occasionally,  prove  the  best  salt 
for  temporary  use,  especially  where  there  is  great 
debility.  But  when  so  used,  it  should  be  followed 
by  the  free  use  of  common  salt,  or  some  salt  of 
soda. 

ACHILLEA    MILLEFOLIUM. 

(Yarrow.) 

Preparation. —  Prepare  a  tincture  of  the  recent 
herb,  §viij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.     Dose,  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

This  agent,  though  feeble  in  its  action,  is  much 
better  than  many  in  common  use.  It  acts  directly 
on  the  urinary  apparatus,  and  the  reproductive 
organs  of  the  female.  I  have  used  it  to  allay  irri- 
tation of  the  kidneys  and  vesical  and  urethral  irri- 
tation. In  these  cases  its  influence  is  somewhat 
similar  to  Buchu  and  Uva  Ursi.  It  is  employed 
with  advantage  in  atonic  amenorrhea,  menorrhagia, 
and  vaginal  leucorrhcea. 


ACONITUM   NAPELLUS.  61 

ACONTTUM   JSTAPELLTJS. 

(Aconite.) 

Preparation. — A  tincture  of  the  root  (imported 
from  Germany)  is  the  strongest  and  most  uniform 
preparation.  It  should  be  prepared  by  percolation, 
the  strength  being  ounce  for  ounce ;  though,  if 
constantly  made  in  the  office,  it  will  be  easier  to 
make  it  Sviij.  to  the  pint,  the  dose  being  propor- 
tionately increased. 

The  medium  dose  two-thirds  of  one  drop,  and 
the  form  of  administration  :  1^  Tincture  of  Aconite 
Root,  gtts.  xx ;  Water,  §iv. ;  a  teaspoonful  every 
hour  in  acute  disease,  every  two  or  three  hours  in 
chronic  disease.  To  a  child  two  years  old  the  pro- 
portion is  gtts.  v.  to  Water  giv. 

Aconite  is  a  stimulant  to  the  sympathetic  system 
of  nerves,  and  increases  the  power  of  the  heart  to 
move  the  blood,  at  the  same  time  that  it  places  the 
blood-vessels  in  better  condition  for  its  passage. 
It  will  be  recollected  that  the  same  system  of  nerves 
governs  the  movements  of  the  heart  and  of  the  en- 
tire system  of  blood-vessels.  What  will  influence 
one,  therefore,  will  influence  the  other  in  the  same 
manner. 

But  Aconite  is  said  to  be  a  sedative ;  and  by  a 
sedative  we  are  to  understand  a  remedy  that  dimin- 
ishes the  frequency  of  the  pulse.  How  can  Aconite, 
therefore,  be  a  stimulant  and  a  sedative  ? 

There  is  no  doubt  but  that  Aconite  is  one  of  the 
most  certain  remedies  we  have  to  reduce  the  fre- 


62  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

quency  of  the  pulse  in  certain  conditions  of  disease. 
And  the  condition  is  that  in  which  there  is  a  want 
of  power  on  the  part  of  the  heart,  and  a  like  want 
of  innervation  to  the  capillary  system  of  blood- 
vessels. Aconite  in  small  doses  lessens  the  fre- 
quency of  the  pulse,  because  it  removes  obstruction 
to  the  free  flow  of  blood  in  the  vessels,  and  gives 
greater  cardiac  power. 

We  employ  it  in  all  forms  of  fever,  to  control  the 
circulation,  and  diminish  the  temperature.  Used  in 
the  doses  named,  it  gives  greater  freedom  to  the 
circulation,  at  the  same  time  that  it  diminishes  the 
frequency  of  the  pulse.  It  seems  to  remove  ob- 
struction to  the  free  circulation  of  the  blood,  at  the 
same  time  that  it  removes  irritation  of  the  cardiac 
nerves,  and  gives  increased  power  to  the  heart. 

Its  action  in  inflammation  is  as  pronounced  as  in 
fever.  It  directly  antagonizes  inflammatory  action, 
and  in  the  early  stage  will  arrest  it  speedily — if  this 
is  the  sedative  indicated. 

There  are  some  diseases  of  an  inflammatory  char- 
acter to  which  Aconite  is  specific,  that  deserve  men- 
tion. The  first  of  these  is  Tonsillitis,  in  which  we 
employ  it  by  internal  administration,  or  better  by 
the  use  of  the  steam  atomizing  apparatus.  In  some 
forms  of  mucous  croup,  with  enfeebled  circulation, 
in  muco-enteritis,  and  in  simple  colitis  or  dy sentery 
from  cold,  I  never  think  of  making  any  other  pre- 
scription. 

To  point  out  the  special  indications  for  the  use 
of  Aconite  I  can  not  do  better  than  reproduce  the 


ACONITUAl   NAPELLUS.  63 

editorial  iu  September  Journal  of  1868  on  the 
"  Differential  Therapeutics  of  Veratrum  and 
Aconite  :" 

To  determine  which  of  a  class  of  remedies 
is  applicable  in  a  given  case,  is  the  most  difficult 
task  of  the  physician,  and  any  information  in  this 
respect  is  of  much  value.  I  doubt  whether  any  one 
using  the  two  remedies  named,  would  be  willing  to 
risk  giving  this  estimate.  Many  may  have  an  em- 
pirical intuition  in  regard  to  it,  but  most  could  ven- 
ture nothing  but  a  guess. 

In  general  terms,  Veratrum  is  the  remedy  in 
sthenia,  Aconite  in  asthenia;  but  there  are  too 
many  exceptions  to  this  to  make  it  a  safe  rule  for 
our  guidance. 

Veratrum  is  the  remedy  where  there  is  a  frequent 
but  free  circulation.  It  is  also  the  remedy  where 
there  is  an  active  capillary  circulation,  both  in  fever 
and  inflammation.  A  full  and  bounding  pulse,  a 
full  and  hard  pulse,  and  a  corded  or  wiry  pulse,  if 
associated  with  inflammation  of  serous  tissues,  call 
for  this  remedy. 

Aconite  is  the  remedy  when  there  is  difficulty  in 
the  capillary  circulation,  a  dilatation  and  want  of 
tonicity  of  these  vessels,  both  in  fever  and  inflam- 
mation. 

It  is  the  remedy  for  the  frequent,  small  pulse,  the 
hard  and  wiry  pulse  (except  in  the  cases  above 
named),  the  frequent,  open  and  easily  compressed 
pulse,  the  rebounding  pulse,  the  irregular  pulse,  and 


64  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

indeed  wherever  there  is  the  evidence  of  marked 
enfeeblement  of  the  circulation. 

It  is  the  sedative  I  associate  with  Belladonna  in 
congestion,  especially  of  the  nerve  centers,  and  to 
relieve  coma.  Whilst  I  would  use  Yeratrum  with 
Gelseminum  in  determination  of  blood  to  the  brain, 
and  in  active  delirium. 

Veratrum  act's  more  efficiently  upon  the  excre- 
tory organs  ;  indeed  I  believe  it  to  be  one  of  the 
most  certain  remedies  we  have  to  increase  excre- 
tion. Hence  it  is  employed  with  great  advantage 
for  those  purposes  usually  called  alterative. 

Aconite  controls  excessive  activity  of  the  excre- 
tory organs,  whether  of  the  bowels,  kidneys  or 
skin.  Thus  it  is  our  most  certain  remedy  in  the 
summer  complaint  of  children,  associated  with  Bel- 
ladonna in  diabetes  insipidus,  with  the  bitter  tonics 
and  Strychnia  in  Phosphuria  and  Oxaluria,  and 
with  the  mineral  acids  in  night  sweats. 

ACT^EA    ALBA. 

(White  Cohosh.) 

Preparation.  —  Two  preparations  may  be  used  : 
first,  a  tincture  of  the  recent  root,  Sviij .  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj. ;  second,  a  tincture  of  the  dried  root  in  the 
same  proportion,  but  using  Alcohol  of  98°.  Let  the 
dose  range  from  one  to  twenty  drops. 

The  White  Cohosh  has  had  but  a  limited  use  in 
medicine,  yet  it  possesses  such  properties  that  it 
will  undoubtedly  prove  useful  when  studied.  The 
direction  of  experiment  will  be  to  determine  its  in- 


AGAVE   AMERICANA.  65 

fluence  on  the  functions  of  waste  and  nutrition,  and 
its  special  action  on  the  reproductive  organs  of  the 
female. 

Bloomington,  III.,  Sept.  30. 
Dr.  Scudder  :  I  intended  to  have  written  to  you, 
in  regard  to  one  specific  property  of  the  Actcea  Alba. 
As  you  have  reached  it  in  your  order,  you  can  do 
as  you  wish  in  regard  to  inserting  this.  It  is  spe- 
cific in  controlling  after-pains.  There  is  probably 
no  remedy  known  that  equals  it.  Make  a  tea  of  it, 
and  drink  freely.  This  power  in  controlling  after- 
pains,  suggests  that  it  will  prove  invaluable  in  con- 
gestion and  neuralgia  of  the  womb. 

W.  Fulton,  M.  D, 

AGATE    AMEBIC  AN  A. 

(CentuPwY  Plant.) 

The  only  report  we  have  of  this  agent  is  from 
Dr.  Penn,  U.  S.  A.,  in  the  treatment  of  scurvy: 
"  Every  case  has  improved  rapidly  ;  the  countenance, 
so  universally  dejected  and  despairing  in  the  patient 
affected  with  scurvy,  is  brightened  up  by  content- 
ment and  hope  in  two  days  from  the  time  of  its  in- 
troduction. The  most  marked  evidences  of  im- 
provement were  observable  at  every  successive  visit. 
From  observing  the  effects  of  the  Maguey  in  the 
cases  which  have  occurred  in  this  command,  I  am 
compelled  to  place  it  far  above  that  remedy  which, 
till  now,  has  stood  above  every  other — lime  juice. 
The  manner  in  which  I  use  it  is  as  follows1 :  The 
leaves  are  cut  off  close  to  the  root.  They  are  placed 
6 


66  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

in  hot  ashes  until  thoroughly  cooked,  when  they  are 
removed,  and  the  juice  expressed.  The  expressed 
juice  is  then  strained,  and  given  in  doses  of  oij-  to 
Siij.  daily." 

I  should  be  glad  if  some  of  our  southern  readers 
would  try  a  tin^ure  of  the  recent  leaves,  made  by 
cutting  them  in  small  pieces  aud  covering  with 
alcohol.  We  want  to  determine  its  influence  on  the 
circulation  and  on  the  nervous  system.  The  dose 
would  be  about  ten  drops. 

AGRIMONIA  EUPATORIA. 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  j.  to 
5ss. 

Agrimonia  exerts  a  slight  stimulant  influence 
upon  all  the  vegetative  processes,  and  under  its  use 
we  find  an  improvement  of  appetite,  digestion  and 
nutrition. 

It  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon  mucous  mem- 
branes, checking  profuse  secretion,  and  giving  tone. 
Thus  it  has  been  employed  with  advantage  in  cases 
of  chronic  bronchitis,  phthisis  with  increased  secre- 
tion, and  humoral  asthma. 

But  it  is  especially  useful  in  chronic  catarrhal 
disease  of  the  kidneys  and  bladder,  aud  will  fre- 
quently prove  curative.  It  gives  tone  and  strength 
to  these  organs,  and  may  well  replace  the  more 
common  tonic  diuretics  in  nianv  cases. 


ALNUS    RUBRA.  67 

ALETRIS  FARINOSA. 

The  Aletris  is  a  gastric  stimulant  and  improves 
digestion.  It  has  also  proven  a  valuable  tonic  in 
uterine  diseases.  It  is  deserving  a  thorough  exam- 
ination, which  I  hope  some  of  our  readers  will  give 
it  and  report.  Prepare  a  tincture  from  Sviij.  of  the 
root  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  The  dose  would  be  from 
two  to  ten  drops. 

ALNUS   RUBRA. 

(Tag  Alder.) 

Preparation.— Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
bark  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose  gtts.  j.  to  xx. 

We  may  employ  the  Alnus  in  infusion,  or  in  the 
form  of  tincture  with  dilute  alcohol ;  the  first  being 
preferable  if  we  wish  its  greatest  influence. 

It  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon  the  processes 
of  waste  and  nutrition,  increasing  the  one  and  stim- 
ulating the  other.  It  is  thus  a  fair  example  of  the 
ideal  alterative,  and  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  of 
our  indigenous  remedies. 

Its  special  use  seems  to  be  in  those  cases  in  which 
there  is  superficial  disease  of  the  skin  or  mucous 
membranes,  taking  the  form  of  eczema  or  pustular 
eruption.  In  these  cases  I  have  employed  it  as  a 
general  remedy,  and  as  a  local  application  with  the 
best  results.  It  does  not  seem  to  make  much  dif- 
ference whether  it  is  a  phlyctenular  conjunctivitis, 
an  ulcerated  sore  mouth  or  throat,  chronic  eczema, 


68  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

or  secondary  syphilis  presenting  these  characteris- 
tics, it  is  equally  beneficial. 

ALOES. 

The  use  of  Aloes  in  medicine  should  be  quite 
limited,  but  still  it  has  a  place.  I  believe  that  in 
small  quantity  and  in  combination  with  other  agents 
that  act  upon  the  upper  intestinal  canal,  it  proves  a 
good  cathartic,  as  in  the  following:  R  Podophyllin, 
grs.  x.  ;  Leptandrin,  grs.  xxx. ;  Aloes,  grs.  xx. ; 
Extract  of  Hyoscyamus,  5ss.  Make  thirty  pills. 
One  of  them  at  night  will  prove  an  excellent  laxa- 
tive, and  those  who  employ  cathartics  freely  will 
like  the  formula.  # 

But  it  is  not  for  this  purpose  that  I  would  recom- 
mend Aloes,  but  for  one  that  may  seem  very  sin- 
gular. In  small  doses  it  exerts  a  direct  influence 
upon  the  waste  and  nutrition  of  the  nervous  system. 
In  cases  of  feeble  innervation,  especially  in  persons 
of  gross  habit,  it  will  be  one  of  our  best  agents.  I 
have  usually  prescribed  it  with  Tincture  of  Nux 
Vomica  or  with  Tincture  of  Belladonna.  The  dose 
of  a  strong  tincture  being  from  two  to  ten  drops. 

In  some  cases  it  will  prove  serviceable  when  as- 
sociated with  the  bitter  tonics,  as  in  this  :  ^  Ex- 
tract of  Nux  Vomica,  grs.  vj.;  Aloes,  grs.  xv. ; 
Hydrastine,  5ss.  Make  thirty  pills.  One  may  be 
given  three  or  four  times  a  day. 


AMMONIUM. 


AMMONIUM,  BKOMIDE   OF. 

The  Bromide  of  Ammonium  is  a  stimulant  to 
the  nerve  centers  ;  increasing  waste  and  improving 
nutrition. 

I  have  employed  it  principally  in  epilepsy,  in 
some  cases  of  which  it  is  undoubtedly  a  specific.  I 
do  not  think  I  can  point  out  the  exact  cases  in 
which  it  is  likely  to  prove  curative,  as  the  evidences 
of  pathological  states  in  this  disease  are  very  obscure. 
Its  use,  therefore,  will  have  to  be  empirical. 

I  have  used  it  now  for  some  ten  years,  and  it  has 
given  excellent  satisfaction.  But  whilst  it  has 
effected  permanent  cures  in  a  large  number  of 
cases,  it  has  only  proven  of  temporary  benefit  in 
some,  and  has  wholly  failed  in  others. 

We  not  unfrequently  meet  with  disease,  in  which 
there  is  disordered  innervation,  manifesting  itself 
as  epileptiform,  partially  spasmodic,  or  in  other 
ways,  but  in  which  there  is  undoubtedly  the  same 
enfeeblement  of  the  cerebro-spinal  centers.  In 
these  cases  Bromide  of  Ammonium  is  the  remedy. 

In  diseases  of  children,  I  have  been  accustomed 
to  employ  this  remedy  in  convulsions,  following  the 
first  influence  obtained  by  Lobelia  or  Gelseminum, 
and  with  marked  success.  When  a  child  is  subject 
to  repeated  attacks  of  convulsions  from  slight 
causes,  the  Bromide  of  Ammonium  may  be  used 
to  remove  the  predisposition. 

In    some   cases  of   whooping  cough  it  exerts  a 


70  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

direct  action,  as  it  does  in  many  cases  of  nervous 
cough  in  both  child  and  adult. 

I  have  used  it  in  this  proportion  :  ~fy  Bromide  of 
Ammonium,  5ss. ;  Water,  Siv.  A  teaspoonful  four 
times  a  day. 

AMMONIUM,  IODIDE  OF. 

Iodide  of  Ammonium  increases  retrograde  me- 
tamorphosis at  the  same  time  that  it  exerts  a  stim- 
ulant influence  upon  the  nervous  system,  especially 
the  sympathetic  system.  Thus  it  can  be  employed 
with  less  risk  than  Iodide  of  Potassium,  when  the 
nutritive  powers  are  feeble,  as  is  the  case  occasion- 
ally in  secondary  syphilis. 

It  has  been  employed  in  certain  cases  of  persistent 
headache  with  excellent  results.  They  are  those  in 
which  the  eye  is  dull,  the  face  expressionless,  the 
circulation  feeble,  the  patient  being  of  a  full  habit. 
The  dose  will  be :  ty,  Iodide  of  Ammonium,  5ij- ; 
"Water,  giv.     A  teaspoonful  every  four  hours. 

AMPELOPSIS. 

The  Ampelopsis  comes  under  the  general  classifi- 
cation of  alteratives.  It  is  a  feeble  agent  in  this 
direction  and  will  have  but  a  limited  use.  It  would 
be  well  to  have  it  thoroughly  tested,  and  for  this 
purpose  I  would  suggest  a  tincture  of  the  fresh 
bark,  in  doses  of  from  one-fourth  to  one  teaspoonful. 


ANAGALLIS    ARVENSIS.  71 

AMYGDALUS   PERSICA. 
(Peach  Tree.) 

Preparation. — Thus  far  we  have  employed  an  in- 
fusion of  the  bark  of  the  young  limbs  of  the  Peach 
Tree ;  and,  to  a  limited  extent,  a  tincture  of  the  re- 
cent bark  with  dilute  Alcohol.  The  first  will  be 
found  preferable  in  cases  of  acute  gastric  irritation ; 
but  for  ordinary  office  use,  I  would  suggest  the  fol- 
lowing : 

Take  of  the  green  bark  of  the  young  limbs 
(suckers),  a  sufficient  quantity,  and  cover  with 
Alcohol  50°,  one  pint  to  each  eight  ounces  :  let  it 
stand  for  fourteen  days,  and  express — a  -press  of 
some  kind  will  be  an  aid.  The  dose  will  be  from 
five  to  thirty  drops. 

The  infusion  or  tincture,  as  above  prepared,  has  a 
direct  influence  in  quieting  irritation  of  the  stomach 
and  upper  intestinal  canal.  It  is  also  a  mild  tonic, 
improving  the  functions  of  digestion.  For  these 
purposes  it  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  articles  in 
the  Materia  Medica. 

It  also  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  circulation, 
and  upon  the  nervous  system,  which  deserves  inves- 
tigation. 

ANAGALLIS   AKVENSIS. 
(Red  Chickweed.) 

This  agent  possesses  active  properties,  but  has  not 
been  studied.     It  has  been  extolled  in  hydrophobia, 


72  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

delirium,  mania,  epilepsy,  etc.,  which  will  suggest 
the  line  of  experiment. 

The  best  preparation,  probably,  will  be  a  tincture 
of  the  recent  Chickweed  in  dilute  Alcohol  (50°), 
Sviij.  to  the  pint;  dose  quite  small — coming  within 
one  or  two  drops. 


ANEMONE   NEMOROSA. 
(Wood  Anemone— Wind  Flower.) 

This  is  also  an  active  agent,  and  will  probably  re- 
pay careful  study.  It  influences  the  functions  of 
waste  and  repair,  but  acts  directly  upon  the  nervous 
system.  Belonging  to  the  same  family  as  the  Pul- 
satilla, its  action  will  be  somewhat  analogous. 

The  preparations  best  adapted  for  study  will  be  a 
tincture  of  the  recent  plant,  made  in  the  proportion 
of  §viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.;  using  pressure  to  re- 
move the  fluid.  It  will  be  well  to  commence  with 
the  fraction  of  a  drop  as  a  dose,  say — ~fy  Tincture 
of  Anemone,  gtts.  x. ;  Water,  Siv. ;  a  teaspoonful 
every  two  to  four  hours,  gradually  increasing  as  we 
feel  our  way. 

APOCYNUM  cannabinum. 

(Indian  Hemp.) 

Preparation. — The  preparation  I  prefer  is,  an  alco- 
holic fluid  extract,  representing  the  crude  article 
ounce  for  ounce.     Of  such  fluid  extract,  the  dose 


APOCYNUM    CANNABINUM.  73 

will  vary  from  the  fraction  of  one  drop  to  ten  drops, 
as  the  maximum.  If  the  physician  prepares  his 
tincture,  it  should  be  from  the  recently  dried  root, 
in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 

It  is  probable  that  the  Apocynum  Androssemifo- 
lium  possesses  identical  properties,  and  as  the  dis- 
tinction is  recognized  with  difficulty,  even  by  those 
most  conversant  with  botanic  medicines,  they  have 
been  used  indiscriminately. 

The  Apocynum  is  a  true  specific  for  that  atonic 
condition  of  the  blood-vessels,  that  permits  exuda- 
tion, causing  dropsy.  I  have  employed  it  in  my 
practice  for  some  eight  years,  and  it  has  not  failed 
me  in  a  single  case,  where  the  diagnosis  was  well 
made. 

It  is  a  positive  remedy  for  dropsy,  whether  it 
takes  the  form  of  oedema,  anasarca,  or  dropsy  of 
the  serous  cavities,  where  there  is  no  obstruction  to 
the  circulation,  and  no  febrile  action.  We  would 
not  expect  it  to  effect  a  cure  in  dropsy  from  heart 
disease,  or  ascites  from  structural  disease  of  the 
liver,  neither  would  we  where  there  was  a  frequent, 
hard  pulse,  and  other  evidences  of  febrile  action. 
Still  in  these  cases,  if  we  can  partially  remove  the 
obstruction  in  the  first  case,  and  after  an  arrest  of 
febrile  action  in  the  second,  the  Apocynum  will  re- 
move the  deposit. 

It  is  not  worth  while  to  inquire  how  it  removes 
dropsical  accumulations.  It  seems  to  strengthen 
the  circulation,  and  as  absorption  takes  place  there 
is  an  increased  flow  of  urine.  • 

7 


74  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

I  have  also  employed  the  Apocyrmm  in  cases  of 
passive  menorrhagia  with  advantage.  It  may  be 
especially  recommended  in  those  cases  in  which  the 
flow  is  constantly  too  profuse,  too  long,  and  too 
frequently  repeated.  I  use  it  with  water,  in  the 
following  proportion :  Ify  Fluid  Extract  of  Apocy- 
nnm,  5j-  to  5ij. ;  Water,  giv. ;  a teaspoonful  every 
three  hours. 

ARALIA   HISPIDA. 

(Dwarf  Elder.) 

The  Dwarf  Elder  has  been  extensively  and  suc- 
cessfully employed  in  dropsy.  The  infusion  has 
usually  been  employed,  and  given  freely. 

I  wonld  suggest  a  tincture  of  the  recent  bark,  in 
dilute  Alcohol,  in  the  proportion  of  gviij.  to  the  Oj. ; 
dose  gtts.  x.  to  5j- 

I  have  employed  it  to  but  a  limited  extent,  yet 
with  good  results.  It  has  a  very  positive  influence 
on  the  circulation,  and  upon  secretion.  Does  it  not 
act  on  them  through  the  sympathetic  nervous  system  ? 
and  may  we  not  influence  all  the  vegetative  func- 
tions with  it,  as  we  do  with  some  others  ?  It  is  de- 
serving thorough  investigation. 

ARNICA  MONTANA. 

(Arnica.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
flowers,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose,  the  fraction 
©f  a  drop. 


ARNICA    MONTANA.  75 

It  is  not  necessary  to  refer  to  the  common  local 
use  of  this  agent,  or  discuss  the  question  whether  a 
tincture  of  Arnica  is  preferable  to  Alcohol  alone  as 
a  local  application.  Every  one  has  employed  it  in 
this  way,  and  each  has  formed  his  own  opinion.  I 
think  its  local  use  valuable,  but  greatly  over-esti- 
mated. 

Can  it  be  employed  as  an  internal  remedy  with 
advantage  ?  I  am  satisfied  that  it  can.  It  is  a  val- 
uable  stimulant  in  many  grave  diseases  where  a 
stimulant  is  most  required.  But  if  used  as  a  gen- 
eral stimulant,  like  Alcohol,  it  would  be  as  apt  to 
do  harm  as  good. 

It  is  a  specific  stimulant  to  the  spinal  nervous  sys- 
tem, and  will  be  found  useful  where  there  is  want 
of  innervation  from  this.  I  have  seen  most  marked 
benefit  from  it  in  advanced  stages  of  disease,  where 
there  was  feeble  respiratory  power ;  difficulty  of 
sleeping  from  impeded  respiration  ;  want  of  control 
over  the  excretion  of  urine  and  feces,  etc. ;  evidences 
of  impairment  of  spinal  innervation.  In  such  cases 
its  beneficial  influence  may  be  noticed  in  a  few 
hours. 

I  have  frequently  prescribed  it  for  lame  back, 
back-ache,  and  feelings  of  debility,  soreness,  etc.,  in 
the  small  of  the  back.  It  is  only  useful  in  those 
cases  where  there  is  feebleness,  with  deficient  circu- 
lation ;  but  in  these  the  influence  is  direct  and  per- 
manent. 


76  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

ARTEMESIA   ABSINTHIUM. 

(Wormwood.) 

Preparation.-^-F or  experiment,  I  would  suggest  a 
tincture  with  dilute  Alcohol,  76°,  in  the  proportion 
of  Sviij.  to  the  pint;  vary  the  dose  from  one  drop 
to  one  drachm. 

This  agent  has  been  used  principally  as  a  vermi- 
fuge, but  lately  it  has  given  place  to  the«Chenopo- 
dium,  and  to  Santonine.  It  possesses  very  decided 
medicinal  properties,  however,  and  deserves  a  thor- 
ough examination.  It  influences  the  nervous  sys- 
tem, especially  the  sympathetic. 

ARTEMESIA   SANTONICA. 
(Wormwood.) 

We  only  wish  to  consider  the  cry stalliz able  prin- 
ciple— Santonine — here.  Its  principal  use  has  been 
as  a  vermifuge  in  cases  of  ascaris  lumbricoides,  for 
which  it  has  been  found  quite  efficient.  But  in 
using  it  for  this  purpose  many  have  noticed  that  it 
exerted  a  peculiar  influence  upon  the  brain,  and 
upon  the  eyes — rendering  objects  blue,  yellow,  or 
green ;  and  that  it  passed  off  in  the  urine,  giving 
it  a  peculiar  color.  _ 

It  exerts  a  specific  action  upon  the  bladder  and 
urethra,  stimulating  contraction  of  the  -first,  and 
allaying  irritation  of  the  second.  It  is  especially 
valuable  in  cases  of  retention  of  the  urine  in  chiU 
dren  during  protracted  disease ;  in  doses  of  half  to 


ASCLEPIAS    TUBEROSA.  77 

*  one  grain,  it  is  prompt  and  certain.  I  have  also 
employed  it  to  relieve  irritation  of  the  urethra,  es- 
pecially in  women  suffering  from  uterine  disease, 
and  with  good  success. 

Its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system  needs  to  be 
studied.  I  judge  it  to  be  a  nerve  stimulant,  and 
have  employed  it  for  this  purpose  to  a  limited 
extent. 

ASCLEPIAS. 

(SlLKWEED.) 

Preparation.  —  The  best  preparation  for  experi- 
ment will  be  a  tincture  of  the  recent  root,  in  the 
proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. ;  note  its 
effect  in  small  as  well  as  large  doses. 

The  A.  Incarnata,  A.  Syriaca,  etc.,  deserve  a  care- 
ful investigation.  In  weak  infusion  they  all  prove 
diaphoretic,  and  to  some  extent  diuretic.  It  is 
claimed  by  those  who  have  made  considerable  use 
of  them,  that  they  stimulate  all  the  secretions. 

ASCLEPIAS    TUBEROSA. 

(Milkweed.) 

Preparation. — Whilst  I  prefer  a  tincture  made  as 
above,  I  have  used  the  alcoholic  fluid  extract  of  the 
dried  root,  made  to  represent  ounce  for  ounce ;  the 
dose  beiug  from  one  drop  for  a  child  two  years  old, 
to  ten  drops  for  an  adult. 

It  is  especially  a  child's  remedy,  being  feeble  in 
action,  though  quite  certain.     When  given  freely, 


78  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

it  is  one  of  the  most  certain  diaphoretics  we  have, 
providing  the  pulse  is  not  frequent,  and  the  tempera- 
ture increased.  Even  in  the  small  dose  of  one 
drop,  following  the  use  of  the  special  sedatives,  it 
will  markedly  increase  true  secretion  from  the  skin. 

Recollect  that  there  is  a  difference  between* 
sweating  and  secretion.  There  may  be  a  profuse 
exudation  of  water,  the  surface  being  bathed  in 
perspiration,  and  yet  but  little  secretion.  Excretion 
by  the  skin  is  a  vital  process,  and  takes  place  by 
means  of  secreting  cells.  It  goes  on  best  where  the 
skin  is  soft  and  moist,  and  not  when  covered  with 
drops  of  sweat. 

I  employ  Asclepias  in  diseases  of  children,  believ- 
ing that  it  allays  nervous  irritability,  is  slightly  se- 
dative, and  certainly  increases  secretion  from  the 
skin.  I  use  it  with  Yeratrum  and  Aconite,  in  febrile 
and  inflammatory  diseases,  and  in  mild  cases,  very 
frequently  give  it  alone.  Bear  in  mind  that  it  is  a 
feeble  remedy  and  too  much  must  not  be  expected. 

ASPIDIUM   FILIX   MAS. 
(Male  Fern.) 

This  agent  is  only  used  as  a  vermifuge,  especially 
for  the  removal  of  the  tapeworm.  For  this  purpose 
the  Ethe*v>al  Oil  is  used  in  doses  of  twenty  drops  to 
one  drachm. 


ATROPA   BELLADONNA.  79 


ASAFCETIDA. 


Whilst  I  think  but  little  of  the  foetid  gum  as  an 
antispasmodic,  I  regard  it  as  a  valuable  gastric  stim- 
ulant, and  also  as  a  nerve  stimulant.  In  nervous 
dyspepsia,  especially,  it  will  be  found  valuable.  The 
following  is  a  good  form :  1^  Asafcetida,  5ss.  ; 
Hydrastine,  3ss. ;  Aloes,  grs.  x.  Make  thirty  pills, 
and  give  one  three  times  a  day.  As  a  nerve  stimu- 
lant I  have  used  :  Ify  Extract  of  Nux  Vomica,  grs. 
x. ;  Aloes,  grs.  xl.  Make  twenty  pills,  and  give  one 
at  night. 

ATROPA  BELLADONNA. 

(Belladonna.) 

Preparation. — Whilst  for  some  purposes  a  solution 
of  the  Alkaloid  Atropia  will  prove  the  best  prepara- 
tion, I  prefer  for  general  use  an  Alcoholic  fluid  ex- 
tract of  the  recent  plant,  representing  the  crude 
article  ounce  for  ounce.  Of  this  the  maximum  dose 
will  be  one  drop,  but  frequently  one-fifth  to  one- 
half  of  this  will  serve  a  better  purpose. 

For  hypodermic  use,  we  employ  a  solution  of 
Atropia,  in  the  proportion  of  one  grain  to  the  ounce 
of  distilled  water.  The  dose  would  be  fi.ve  to  ten 
drops.  This  is  also  the  best  proportion  for  use  to 
dilate  the  pupil.  As  a  collyrium,  we  would  add  5j- 
of  this  solution  to  §j.  of  distilled  water. 

The  specific  use  of  Belladonna  is  as  a  stimulant  to 
the   capillary  circulation,    especially  of    the   nerve 


80  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

centers — a  remedy  opposed  to  congestion.  My  at- 
tention was  first  drawn  to  it  by  an  article  from 
Brown-Sequard,  giving  the  results  of  his  experi- 
ments with  the  drug,  stating  that  with  the  micro- 
scope he  had  seen  marked  contraction  of  the  capil- 
laries following  its  use.  It  at  ouce  suggested  itself 
to  me,  that  if  it  would  cause  capillary  contraction, 
it  would  be  the  remedy  for  congestion  ;  and  I  at  once 
commenced  experimenting  with  it  in  this  direction. 

I  well  recall  my  first  marked  case  :  a  boy  about 
eight  years  old,  suffering  from  malignant  rubeola. 
The  entire  surface  was  swollen  and  dusky ;  the  eyes 
dull ;  the  pupils  dilated ;  the  face  expressionless ; 
breathing  labored,  and  wholly  unconscious  forforty- 
ei°rht  hours.  The  administration  of  Belladonna 
alone  (in  small  doses)  was  sufficient  to  restore  con- 
sciousness, and  a  free  circulation,  with  good  appear- 
ance of  the  eruption,  in  twenty  hours. 

The  evidences  in  its  favor  rapidly  accumulated, 
so  that  in  eighteen  months  I  used  it  with  a  feeling 
of  almost  certainty  for  this  purpose. 

Whilst  it  exerts  the  same  influence  on  all  persons, 
and  at  all  ages,  the  true  pathological  condition  being 
determined,  it  is  especially  valuable  in  treating  dis- 
eases of  children.  In  the  young,  the  immature  ner- 
vous centers  suffer  more  severely,  and  we  find  the 
opposite  conditions,  of  irritation  with  determination 
of  blood,  and  atony  with  congestion. 

The  symptoms  calling  for  the  use  of  Belladonna 
are  usually  very  plain  :  the  patient  is  dull  and 
gtupid — and  the  child  drowsy,  and  sleeps  with  its 


ATROPA    BELLADONNA.  81 

eyes  partly  open ;  the  countenance  expressionless ; 
the  eyes  are  dull,  and  the  pupils  dilated,  or  immo- 
bile ;  whilst,  as  it  continues,  respiration  becomes 
affected,  and  the  blood  imperfectly  aerated. 

In  these  cases  I  prescribe  Belladonua  :  in  the 
adult,  in  the  proportion  of  gtts.  x.  to  gtts.  xx.,  to 
Water  giv. ;  in  the  child  gtts.  v.  to  5iv. ;  in  each  a 
teaspoonful  every  hour.  As  these  are  mostly  febrile 
cases,  or  at  least  have  a  feeble,  frequent  circulation 
as  au  element,  I  give  Aconite  in  the  usual  doses. 

Belladonna  is  also  a  specific  in  incontinence  of 
urine.  Kot  that  it  will  cure  any  case,  but  those  in 
which  an  enfeeblement  of  the  pelvic  circulation  is 
the  principal  cause.  Probably  a  lesion  of  the  spinal 
cord  has  also  much  to  do  with  it.  Of  course,  it 
gives  no  relief  where  the  incontinence  arises  from 
vesical  irritation.  The  dose  in  this  case  will  be  the 
same  as  above  named,  but  only  repeated  four  times 
a  day. 

Belladonna  is  also  a  specific  in  diabetes  insipidus ; 
even  a  Belladonna  plaster  across  the  loins  being 
sufficient  in  many  cases  for  its  arrest. 

Belladonna  is  undoubtedly  a  prophylactic  against 
scarlatina,  as  I  have  thoroughly  proven  in  my  prac- 
tice. Recollect,  however,  that  it  is  only  prophylac- 
tic in  small  doses ;  in  doses  sufficient  to  produce 
dilatation  of  the  pupil,  it  has  no  such  influence. 

Belladonna  has  other  special  uses,  but  they  may 
be  briefly  summed  up :  if  in  any  case  there  is  an 
enfeebled  circulation,  with  stasis  of  blood,  Bella- 
donna is  the  remedy.     Of  course,  acting  upon  some 


82  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

parts  more  directly  than  others,  its  influence  will  be 
more  decided,  but  there  is  no  case,  with  condition 
as  above,  in  which  it  will  not  be  beneficial. 

I  may  say  in  conclusion,  that  we  want  a  good 
preparation  of  the  recent  herb  ;  and  then  it  must  be 
used  in  small  doses  to  obtain  the  influences  named. 
The  doses  given  are  the  maximum.  As  we  have 
had  occasion  to  say  before,  the  druggists  care  little 
about  the  quality  of  medicines  sold  ;  they  are  simply 
articles  of  merchandise,  and  there  is  little,  if  any, 
professional  esprit  with  them,  to  aid  us  in  having 
them  good.  Therefore  every  physician  must  be  on 
his  guard  when  purchasing,  and  had  better  buy  of 
first  hands,  and  of  those  of  proven  honesty. 

APIS   MELLIFICA. 
(Honey  Bee.) 

The  Honey  Bee  possesses  marked  medicinal  prop- 
erties, but  from  a  prejudice  against  such  remedies, 
has  been  but  little  employed. 

An  infusion  of  twelve  to  twenty  Honey  Bees  in  a 
pint  of  boiling  water,  is  .one  of  the  most  certain 
diuretics  I  have  ever  employed  in  cases  of  suppres- 
sion of  urine  from  atony.  It  is  also  a  very  efficient 
remedy  in  retention  of  urine,  and  in  some  cases  of 
irritation  of  the  urethra. 

I  have  used  a  tincture  for  the  same  purpose,  and 
also  for  inflammation  of  subcutaneous  structures, 
with  tensive  and  lancinating  pains,  and  in  irritation 
of  the  skin.     I  have  prepared  my  own  tincture,  in 


AGARIC.  83 

the  proportion  of  §j.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj.     Dose  one 
to  two  drops. 

AGARIC.* 

History. — This  is  obtained  from  various  fungus 
plants  of  the  mushroom  tribe.  These  plants  afford 
a  great  diversity  of  form  and  structure,  being  in 
their  simplest  character  little  articulated  filaments, 
composed  of  chains  or  cellules,  as  in  the  mildew  of 
the  rosebush,  and  in  moldiness,  mucor  ;  again,  they 
may  present  an  even  and  imperforate  surface,  and 
another  separated  into  plates  or  cells,  in  which  the 
sporules  are  deposited.  They  absorb  a  great 
amount  of  oxygen  with  evolution  of  hydrogen  and 
carbonic  acid  gas,  and  contain  considerable  propor- 
tions of  nitrogen.  They  are  destructive  to  nearly 
all  organic  matter  upon  which  they  grow.  Accord- 
ing to  Dr.  M.  A  Curtis,  of  K".  C,  the  genus  boletus, 
as  now  constituted,  includes  only  fleshy  species,  with 
a  hymenium  composed  of  sporable  tubes.  Those 
species  formerly  included  in  Boletus,  and  whose 
hymenium  is  composed  of  yores,  now  form  the  genus 
Polyporus." 

The  Polyporus  Officinalis  {Boletus  Laricis),  known 
by  the  name  of  White  Agaric,  Purging  Agaric,  etc., 
is  procured  from  Asia,  Corinthia,  Russia,  Central 
America,  and  the  Rocky  Mountains,  where  it  is 
found  growing  upon  the  Larch.     It  is  in  masses, 

*The  following  is  taken  from  the  new  edition  of  King's  Ameri- 
can Dispensatory. 


84  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

varying  from  the  size  of  an  ordinary  apple  to  that 
of  a  large  nutmeg-melon ;  its  shape  somewhat  re- 
sembles a  horse's  hoof;  it  is  reddish-gray  or  yellow 
externally,  whitish  internally,  and  of  a  spongy,  fri- 
able consistence ;  hymenium  concrete  ;  substance  of  the 
pileus  consisting  of  snbrotund  pores,  with  their  sim- 
ple dissepiments ;  pileus  corky-fleshy,  ungulate, 
zoned,  smooth ;  pores  yellowish ;  it  has  a  feeble 
odor,  and  a  bitter,  acid,  somewhat  sweetish  taste. 
Braconnot  found  in  it  72  parts  resinous  matter,  2 
bitter  extractive,  26  of  a  nutritious  animalized  prin- 
ciple, which  he  termed  fungin.  Benzoic  acid  and 
several  salts  have  likewise  been  found  in  it.  It  is 
collected  in  August  and  September,  deprived  of  its 
outer  covering,  and  then  dried  and  placed  in  the 
sun. 

The  Polyyorus  {Boletus)  Ignarius,  Agaric  of  the  Oak, 
is  a  fungus  found  on  the  oak,  cherry,  wallow,  plum, 
and  other  trees  ;  when  young  it  is  soft,  but  gradually 
becomes  hard  and  woody.  In  shape  it  somewhat 
resembles  the  preceding ;  its  upper  smooth  surface 
is  marked  with  dark  circular  ridges,  and  its  under 
is  very  porous,  and  of  a  yellowish-white  color.  It 
is  tasteless  and  inodorous.  The  Polyporus  (Boletus) 
Fomentarius,  growing  on  similar  trees  with  the  P. 
Ignarius,  when  cut  in  slices,  beaten,  soaked  in  a  so- 
lution of  nitre,  and  dried,  forms  an  inflammable 
substance,  known  as  Spunk,  Amadou,  or  German 
Tinder.  The  Polyporus  Pinicola  grows  upon  the 
pine,  birch,  tamarac,  fir,  and  similar  trees ;  with  ab- 
solute alcohol  the  fresh  fungus  forms  a  dark-red, 


AGARIC.  85 

intensely  bitter  tincture.  A  white  amorphous  pow- 
der, called  laricin,  is  obtained  from  some  of  these 
plants.  It  has  a  bitter  taste,  is  soluble  in  alcohol 
and  oil  of  turpentine,  forms  a  paste  with  boiling 
water,  and  has  the  formula  C14H1204. 

Properties  and  Uses.  —  The  dust  of  the  Larch 
Agaric  is  irritating  to  mucous  surfaces,  causing 
tears  when  it  enters  the  eyes,  and  sneezing,  cough, 
and  nausea,  when  the  nostrils  are  exposed  to  it. 
It  has  been  used  in  half-drachm  or  drachm  doses 
as  a  purgative ;  in  larger  doses  as  an  emetic.  In 
doses  of  from  three  to  ten  grains,  gradually  in- 
creasing to  sixty  grains  in  the  course  of  the  twenty- 
four  hours,  it  has  been  found  efficacious  in  arresting 
the  nocturnal  perspiration  of  consumptives.  Ex- 
ternally, it  has  been  used,  together  with  the  Agaric 
of  the  Oak,  as  a  styptic,  and  said  to  restrain  not  only 
venous  but  arterial  hemorrhages,  without  the  use  of 
ligatures.  It  does  not  appear,  however,  to  possess 
any  real  styptic  power,  or  to  act  otherwise  than 
dry  lint,  sponge,  or  other  soft  applications.  Pre- 
pared with  nitre,  as  for  tinder,  it  has  been  used  as  a 
species  of  moxa. 

The  P.  Officinalis  and  the  P.  Pinicola,  in  doses  of 
from  three  or  four  grains  of  the  powder,  repeated 
every  three  or  four  hours,  or  of  the  concentrated 
tincture  in  doses  of  five  drops,  have  both  been  found 
valuable  in  the  cure  of  obstinate  and  long  standing 
intermittents,  and  other  diseases  common  to  mala- 
rial districts ;  as,  obstinate  bilious  remittent  fever, 
chronic  diarrhoea,  chronic  dysentery,  periodical  neu- 


86  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

ralgia,  nervous  headache,  ague  cake,  and  increased 
flow  of  urine.  They  have  likewise  proved  useful 
in  long  standing  jaundice,  and  in  the  chills  and 
fever  common  among  consumptive  patients. 

The  tincture  of  Boletus  exerts  a  marked  influ- 
ence upon  the  spinal  and  sympathetic  nervous  sys- 
tem, in  certain  cases  of  disease.  It  has  been  suc- 
cessfully employed  in  the  treatment  of  epilepsy  and 
chorea,  and  to  check  the  rapid  pulse  with  hectic 
fever  and  night  sweats  in  phthisis.  It  has  also  been 
recommended  in  insanity  where  there  is  a  feeble 
cerebral  circulation  and  imperfect  nutrition.  And, 
also,  in  neuralgia,  with  similar  symptoms. 

BAPTISIA    TINCTORIA. 

Preparation. — The  Baptisia  has  been  principally 
employed  in  infusion,  and  I  am  well  satisfied  that 
this  is  the  best  preparation  for  general  use.  Still, 
as  it  will  be  inconvenient  in  many  cases,  I  would  re- 
commend in  addition,  a  tincture  by  percolation, 
using  Sviij.  of  the  ground  bark  to  Oj.  of  Alcohol 
of  76°.  Of  an  infusion  of  5j.  to  §iv.  of  boiling 
water,  the  dose  is  one  teaspoon ful ;  of  the  tincture 
as  named,  5ij-  to  Water,  giv.,  dose,  a  teaspoouful. 

"With  some  the  Baptisia  has  been  a  favorite  rem- 
edy for  sore  mouth  and  sore  throat,  using  it  locally, 
and  for  this  purpose  it  is  one  of  the  most  valuable 
remedies  we  have.  I  judge,  however,  tbat  if  you 
should  ask,  in  what  particular  variety  of  sore  mouth 


BAPT1SIA    TINCTORIA.  87 

or  throat  it  was  found  best  ?  you  would  have  diffi- 
culty in  getting  an  answer. 

It  is  in  those  cases  in  which  there  is  enfeebled 
capillary  circulation,  and  tendency  to  ulceration, 
that  it  is  specific.  That  is,  the  condition  is  one  of 
atony,  with  tendency  to  molecular  death  and  de- 
composition. The  remedy  is,  therefore,  stimulant 
and  antiseptic. 

It  may  be  employed  with  the  greatest  certainty 
in  any  form  of  sore  mouth  or  throat  presenting  the 
characteristics  named.  Especially  in  stomatitis 
ulcerata,  or  cancrum  orris,  in  cynanche  maligna, 
and  in  the  sore  throat  of  scarlatina  maligna  ;  but  it 
is  not  only  a  good  local  application  in  these  cases, 
but  a  most  valuable  internal  remedy. 

It  is  specific  to  the  condition  upon  which  such  sore 
mouth  and  throat  is  based,  whether  it  is  manifested 
in  this  way,  or  in  ulceration  of  Peyer's  follicles  in 
typhoid  fever.  Thus  I  have  employed  it  with  very 
marked  advantage,  in  all  cases  showing  putrescency, 
and  tendency  to  softening  and  breaking  down  of 
tissue. 

It  is  not  a  remedy  for  acute  inflammation,  whether 
erythematous  or  deep  seated,  and  in  ordinary  stom- 
atitis or  cynanche,  it  is  not  a  remedy.  In  diphtheria 
presenting  acute  inflammatory  symptoms,  it  is 
worse  than  useless.  But  in  diphtheria  with  swollen 
and  enfeebled  mucous  membranes,  dusky  or  livid 
discoloration,  or  blanched  appearance,  with  ten- 
dency to  ulceration  and  sloughing,  there  is  no 
remedy  more  certain. 


88  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

I  have  successfully  employed  the  Baptisia  in 
typhoid  dysentery,  as  have  others.  But  as  will  be 
seen,  this  is  hut  the  condition  named  above  for  its 
specific  action.  So  long  as  there  is  an  acute  in- 
flammation, with  stools  of  blood  or  pure  mucus, 
this  is  not  beneficial,  but  when  the  discharges  re- 
semble "prune  juice,  the  washing  of  meat,  or  are 
muco-purulent,"  with  general  symptoms  of  an  an- 
alogous character,  then  it  becomes  one  of  our  most 
certain  remedies. 

BENZOIC   ACID. 

I  prefer  to  use  Benzoic  Acid  in  solution  in  Alco- 
hol, 5j-  to  the  Oj.  to  the  tincture  of  Benzoin,  though 
the  latter  will  answer  the  purpose.  The  dose  will 
vary  from  ten  to  sixty  drops,  according  to  the  effect 
lesired. 

Its  first  use  is  in  irritable  bladder,  with  deposits 
of  uric  acid  or  triple  phosphates  ;  in  either  case  its 
use  will  prove  beneficial. 

Its  second  use  is  in  irritation  of  the  sympathetic 
and  spinal  system  of  nerves,  with  uric  acid  deposits. 

Its  third  use  is  as  a  stimulant  to  the  brain  in 
cases  of  exhaustion  with  Phosphuria.  I  have  used 
it  in  this  case  alternated  with  a  preparation  of 
Phosphorus — either  the  Phosphuretted,  Oil  or  the 
Tincture — with  advantage.  These  are  usually  cases 
of  exhaustion  from  over-exertion  of  the  mind,  as 
frequently  met  with  among  our  business  men. 


BEBEERINA   SULPHAS.  89 


BERBERIS    VULGARIS. 
(Barberry.) 

A  tincture  of  the  recent  bark,  in  the  proportion 
of  5viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.,  is  suggested.  Dose 
varying  from  ten  drops  to  one  drachm. 

Will  some  of  our  Eastern  practitioners  give  us 
their  experience  with  this  agent ;  or  if  it  has  not 
been  employed  alone,  will  some  one  test  it  thor- 
oughly. Evidently  it  has  an  influence  upon  the 
gastro-intestinal  mucous  membrane,  and  probably 
on  associate  viscera. 

BEBEERINiE   SULPHAS. 

This  is  not  the  so-called  Berbeerin  from  the  Ber- 
beris  Vulgaris,  but  a  well-defined  salt  from  the  !Nec- 
tandra  Rodisei.  As  found  in  commerce,  it  is  in  glit- 
tering scales  of  a  brownish-yellow  color,  and  when 
triturated  forms  a  yellowish  powder. 

It  exerts  a  specific  action  upon  the  uterus,  but 
thus  far  it  has  been  principally  employed  in  cases 
of  menorrhagia.  In  this  case  its  influence  is  very 
marked,  controlling  the  hemorrhage,  and  prevent- 
ing its  recurrence.  As  we  have  other  remedies  for 
the  milder  cases,  its  use  might  be  confined  to  those 
in  which  there  is  profuse  discharge  at  each  men- 
strual period,  and  where  they  recur  too  frequently. 
The  dose  will  be  from  two  to  three  grains  every 
three  or  four  hours. 
8 


90  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 


BISMUTH. 


"We  employ  Bismuth  in  two  forms.  The  sub- 
nitrate  in  doses  of  from  one  to  two  grains ;  the 
liquor  Bismuth  (solution  of  Citrate  of  Bismuth),  in 
doses  of  from  gtts.  x.  to  5j- 

The  first  use  of  Bismuth  is  to  allay  irritation  of 
the  gastro-intestinal  mucous  membrane ;  and  for 
this  purpose  it  has  been  extensively  employed. 
Usually  the  sub-nitrate  in  impalpable  powder,  is 
employed  in  small  doses  frequently  repeated  for 
gastric  irritation,  and  in  doses  of  Hive  to  ten  grains 
for  intestinal  irritation,  with  diarrhoea. 

The  second  may  be  called  its  specific  use,  for 
chronic  gastro-intestinal  irritation,  or  dyspepsia 
with  diarrhoea.  Here  I  employ  the  Liquor  Bismuth 
in  doses  of  from  a  half  to  one  teaspoonful  four 
times  a  day.  In  inveterate  cases,  not  amenable  to 
treatment,  and  of  years  duration,  I  have  had  the 
happiest  results. 

I  have  omitted  to  name  the  common  use  of  Bis- 
muth for  water-brash,  in  some  cases  of  which  it  is 
very  effectual. 

The  powdered  sub-nitrate  is  also  the  most  effec- 
tual local  application  for  irritation  of  the  skin — 
chafing — either  in  the  infant  or  adult.  For  this  pur- 
pose the  part  is  thoroughly  dusted,  and  it  is  re- 
peated as  often  as  necessary  to  keep  it  dry. 


BROMIDE    OF   POTASSIUM.  91 

BROMINE. 

Bromine  is  not  employed  as  an  internal  remedy, 
though  its  salts  have  been  used  largely  within  the 
last  ten  years.  It  may  be  employed  with  advantage 
as  an  inhalation  in  croup  and  diphtheria,  and  as  a 
stimulant  in  phthisis.  For  croup  it  has  been  used 
in  the  proportion  of  ten  drops  to  two  ounces  of 
water. 

BROMIDE   OF   POTASSIUM. 

Bromide  of  Potash  is  a  very  greatly  overestimated 
remedy.  When  I  commenced  practice  it  was  only 
used  in  cases  of  spermatorrhoea  to  relieve  sexual 
irritation — now  it  is  recommended  for  everv  nervous 
ill  that  flesh  is  heir  to. 

I  think  it  has  one  specific  use,  and  that  is  as  a 
remedy  for  epilepsy  when  associated  with  irritation 
of  the  reproductive  organs,  or  especially  in  irritation 
of  the  cerebellum.  In  such  cases  I  have  used  it 
with  much  success.  The  dose  will  be  about  twenty 
grains  three  times  a  day. 

I  only  use  it  in  spermatorrhoea,  in  those  cases  in 
which  the  person  is  of  a  plethoric  habit,  with  great 
venereal  excitement  —  cases  approximating  satyri- 
asis, rather  than  spermatorrhoea.  In  these  I  ad- 
minister it  in  doses  of  thirty  to  sixty  grains  at  bed- 
time. 


92  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

BIDENS    BIPINNATA-CONNATA-FBONDOSA. 

(Spanish  Needles.) 

Prepara Hon.— Prepare  the  tincture  from  the  recent 
herb,  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj., 
using  pressure.     Dose  from  five  to  thirty  drops. 

The  different  varieties  of  Bidens  deserve  investi- 
gation. Reference  to  the  Dispensatory  or  Materia 
Medica  will  give  the  direction  it  should  take.  I  am 
especially  interested  in  the  action  of  the  B.  Fron- 
dosa  on  the  heart  and  circulation. 

BRYONIA. 

This  remedy  is  extensively  employed  by  the 
Homoeopaths ;  and,  as  I  think,  greatly  overestimated. 
They  use  it  in  rheumatism,  pneumonia,  and  other 
diseases  of  the  chest;  in  typhoid  fever,  and  many 
other  affections.  It  may  be  recommended  for  in- 
vestigation— Ify  Tincture  of  Bryonia,  3ss. ;  Water, 
§iv. ;  a  teaspoouful  every  one  or  two  hours. 

BRAYEBA   ANTHELMINTICS 

This  agent  is  only  employed  as  a  remedy  for  tape- 
orm  ;  and  when  of  good  quality  it  is  very  efficient. 

CALENDULA  OFFICINALIS. 
(Marigold.) 

A  tincture  of  Calendula  has  been  employed  by 
the  Homoeopaths  as  a  local  application  in  wounds  ; 
but  without  any  advantage  that  I  have  been  able  to 

see. 


worm 


CAMPHOR.  93 

CALX. 

(Lime.) 

Lime  is  used  for  the  ordinary  purpose  of  an 
antacid,  and  in  some  cases  is  preferable  to  any  other 
alkali.  This  is  especially  the  case  in  indigestion, 
with  the  formation  of  lactic  acid  from  decomposing 
food.  Here  there  is  not  unfrequently  an  excess  of 
the  normal  salts  of  the  blood,  and  we  can  not  use 
the  salts  of  soda  and  potash  to  neutralize  gastric 
acidity.  It  may  be  stated,  as  a  general  rule,  that  it 
will  be  found  beneficial  in  cases  of  infantile  dyspep- 
sia, and  in  dyspepsia  of  the  adult,  with  acid  eructa- 
tions during  digestion. 

Its  specific  use  is  in  cases  of  furunculus  or  boils, 
and  other  inflammations  of  cellular  tissue,  terminat- 
ing in  suppuration.  Why  it  has  this  specific  influ- 
ence I  do  not  propose  to  say,  but  the  fact  I  have 
proven  in  scores  of  cases.  Given  a  case  in  which 
boils  are  being  continually  developed,  the  use  of 
lime  water  will  effect  a  radical  cure.  It  is  given  in 
doses  of  a  wineglassful  three  or  four  times  a  day. 

CAMPHOR. 

Camphor  in  small  doses  is  a  stimulant,  in  large 
loses  a  sedative,  to  the  nervous  system.  I  do  not 
regard  it  as  having  a  very  extended  use  in  medicine, 
though  for  the  purpose  named,  it  may  sometimes 
be  employed  with  advantage.  In  low  forms  of  dis 
ease,  with  insomnia  and  restlessness,  I  have  used  it 


94  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

alone,  and  in  combination  with  stimulant  doses  of 
Opium  or  Morphia,  and  Quinine. 

As  a  topical  stimulant,  it  may  be  employed  with 
advantage,  when  the  integrity  of  the  part  is  threat- 
ened from  enfeebled  circulation. 

CANNABIS  SATIVA. 

(Hemp). 

The  tincture  of  Cannabis  should  be  prepared 
from  the  recent  wild  plant  whilst  in  flower,  but  as 
we  can  not  get  this,  we  use  a  tincture  prepared  from 
the  churrus,  a  species  of  extract  from  the  recent 
plant,  imported  from  India.  The  dose  will  vary 
from  one  to  Hve  drops. 

In  small  doses  it  is  stimulant  to  the  cerebro-spinal 
centers  ;  in  large  doses  it  produces  intoxication,  and 
finally  arrest  of  function.  It  exerts  an  influence 
upon  the  urinary  and  reproductive  apparatus  that 
may  be  rendered  available  in  practice,  and  also  to 
some  extent  upon  the  skin. 

I  have  employed  the  Cannabis  specially  to  relieve 
irritation  of  the  kidneys,  bladder  and  urethra.  It 
will  be  found  especially  beneficial  in  vesical  and 
urethral  irritation,  and  is  an  excellent  remedy  in  the 
treatment  of  gonorrhoea. 

I  do  not  like  it  as  a  remedy  for  intemperance, 
(chronic  alcoholism),  so  well  as  a  combination  of 
!Nux  Vomica  and  Iodine,  with  a  bitter  tonic  ;  though 
in  some  cases  it  may  be  used  with  marked  advan- 
tage, and  the  habit  finally  broken  up  by  its  use. 


CACTUS  GRANDIFLORUS.  95 

CANTHAKIS   VESICATORIA. 

(Spanish  Fly.) 

I  object  to  the  use  of  the  blister,  as  a  means  of 
counter-irritation,  and  going  further  than  this,  I  ob- 
ject to  counter-irritation  as  a  means  of  cure,  when 
it  can  possibly  be  avoided,  and  I  think  it  may  be 
avoided  in  nearly  all  cases. 

As  an  internal  remedy,  Cantharis  will  have  but 
one  use — as  a  stimulant  to  the  urinary  apparatus, 
especially  the  bladder.  For  this  purpose  it  may  be 
employed  in  small  doses. 

CACTUS  GRANDIFLORUS. 

(Night-Blooming  Cereus.) 

Preparation. — We  prepare  a  tincture  from  the 
recent  plant,  in  the  proportion  of  §iv.,  to  Alcohol 
98°  Oj.     The  dose  will  vary  from  one  to  ten  drops. 

The  influence  of  Cactus  seems  to  be  wholly  ex- 
erted on  the  sympathetic  nervous  system,  and  espe- 
cially upon,  and  through  the  cardiac  plexus.  It 
does  not  seem  to  increase  or  depress  innervation, 
(neither  stimulant,  nor  sedative,)  but  rather  to  influ- 
ence a  regular  performance  of  function.  I  am  satis- 
fied, however,  that  its  continued  use  improves  the 
nutrition  of  the  heart,  thus  permanently  strengthen- 
ing the  organ.  It  has  a  second  influence,  which  is 
of  much  importance  to  the  therapeutist.  It  exerts  a 
direct  influence  upon  the  circulation  and  nutrition  of 
the  brain,  and  may  thus  be  employed  with  advantage 
in  some  diseases  of  this  organ.     We  can  see  very 


96  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

readily  how  this  may  be.  The  cardiac  nerves  are 
derived  from  the  upper  part  of  the  sympathetic,  and 
judging  from  the  anatomy  of  the  part,  the  first  cervi- 
cal ganglion  being  the  principal  nervous  mass  in  the 
cervical  region,  must  furnish  innervation  through 
the  cardiac  nerves,  as  it  certainly  controls  the  circu- 
lation and  nutrition  of  the  brain. 

The  Cactus  is  a  specific  in  heart  disease,  in  that  it 
gives  strength  and  regularity  to  the  innervation  of 
the  organ.  Its  influence  is  permanent,  in  that  it  in- 
fluences the  waste  and  nutrition  of  the  organ,  in- 
creasing its  strength.  It  exerts  no  influence  upon 
the  inflammatory  process,  and  hence  is  not  a  rem- 
edy for  inflammatory  disease. 

Feelings  of  weight  and  pressure  at  the  prsecordia, 
difficult  breathing,  fear  of  impending  danger,  etc., 
are  at  once  removed.  Such  irregularity  of  action, 
whether  violent,  feeble,  or  irregular,  as  is  dependent 
upon  the  innervation,  is  readily  controlled.  Thus, 
in  the  majority  of  cases  of  functional  heart  disease 
it  gives  prompt  relief,  and,  if  continued,  will  effect 
a  cure.  In  those  cases  in  which  there  is  another 
lesion  acting  as  a  cause,  as  in  some  gastric,  enteric, 
or  uterine  lesions,  these  must  receive  attention,  and 
be  removed  to  make  the  cure  radical. 

*En  structural  heart  disease,  the  first  use  of  reme- 
dies is  to  relieve  the  distressing  sensation  in  the 
region  of  the  heart,  and  the  unnatural  fear  of 
danger  which  attends  them.  As  these  spring  from 
disordered  innervation,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  the 
Oactns  gives  prompt  relief.     As  we  have  seen  above, 


CAPSICUM.  97 

its  continuance  favors  normal  waste  and  nutrition, 
as  well  as  regular  action.  Hence,  its  continued  use 
is  followed  by  the  removal  of  adventitious  tissue ; 
and  an  increase  in  the  strength  of  its  contractile 
fibre.  Hence,  it  is  really  curative  in  many  cases  of 
structural  heart  disease. 

I  have  some  cases  on  my  case  book,  of  such 
aggravated  form,  that  no  one  would  believe  they 
could  live  a  twelvemonth  ;  yet,  after  a  lapse  of  five 
years,  they  are  enjoying  comfortable  health. 

But  it  will  not  relieve  or  cure  cases  of  valvular 
deficiency,  dilatation  of  the  openings  of  the  heart, 
or  fatty  degeneration.  It  is  well,  in  estimating  its 
action,  to  bear  this  in  mind. 

In  its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system,  it  more 
nearly  resembles  Pulsatilla ;  giving  relief  in  that 
condition  known  as  nervousness.  But  farther  than 
this,  it  gives  regularity  of  cerebral  function,  and 
permanently  improves  nutrition  of  the  nervous 
centers. 

CAPSICUM. 

(Cayenne  Pepper.) 

Capsicum  is  a  powerful  topical  stimulant ;  but  its 
general  influence  is  feeble.  As  Capsicum,  it  never 
gains  admission  to  the  circulation,  and,  in  the  pro- 
cess of  digestion,  it  almost  wholly  loses  its  proper- 
ties as  a  remedy. 

Capsicum  is  used  as  a  topical  stimulant  to  the 
skin,  and  with  advantage  where  the  circulation  is 
feeble,  and  there  is  need  of  such  stimulation.  It 
9 


98  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

also  exerts  the  revulsive  influence  of  other  rube- 
facients. 

Its  influence,  when  taken  into  the  stomach,  is  of 
the  same  character.  It  excites  the  nerves,  and  calls 
an  increased  flow  of  blood  to  the  part.  In  torpid 
states  of  the  gastric  mucous  membrane,  such  action 
may  be  very  desirable,  may  even  be  essential  to  life  : 
as,  in  congestive  intermittent.  It  is  the  topical 
action  upon  the  gastric  mucous  membrane  that  is 
beneficial  in  some  cases  of  delirium  tremens. 

The  solar  plexus,  the  most  important  of  the  vege- 
tative nerve  centers,  may  be  thus  influenced  from  the 
stomach.  The  stimulant  influence  of  Capsicum 
may,  therefore,  be  extended  through  this,  and  be  of 
marked  advantage  in  states  of  great  and  sudden 
prostration  with  tendency  to  congestion. 


CAKBO-LIGNI. 

(Wood  Charcoal.) 

Is  an  absorbent  and  antiseptic,  and  has  this  gen- 
eral use,  both  internally  and  topically.  Given  in 
water-brash ,  or  where  there  is  decomposition  of  the 
food,  it  is  sometimes  quite  beneficial.  So  in  topical 
disease — with  free  secretion  and  tendency  to  sepsis — 
its  local  application  absorbs  the  one  and  checks  the 
other. 

The  specific  use  of  charcoal  is  to  arrest  hemor- 
rhage from  the  bowels.  It  is  used  in  enema,  5j.  to 
5ij.  finely  powdered,  to  four  ounces  of  water,  thrown 


CAULOPHYLLUM.  99 

up  the  rectum.'     Why  it  checks  it  I  can  not  tell ; 
that  it  does  it,  I  have  the  evidence  of  my  own  eyes. 


CASSIA  ACUTIFOLIA. 

(Senna.) 

Senna  is  a  mild  cathartic;  but  its  action  is  fre- 
quently attended  with  much  tormina,  and  to  some 
is  very  unpleasant.  As  it  does  not  increase  elimi- 
nation by  the  bowels,  its  use  as  a  cathartic  is  quite 
limited,  and  it  may  well  be  replaced  by  other 
remedies. 

It  exerts,  however,  a  special  influence  in  colic, 
which  renders  it  an  important  remedy.  We  have 
generally  employed  it  in  the  form  of  the  Compound 
Powder  of  Jalap  and  Senna,  in  doses  of  &ve  or  ten 
grains,  frequently  repeated  until  relief  is  obtained. 
An  infusion  of  Senna — or  the  tincture  will  answer 
the  same  purpose — for  the  relief  of  colic,  whether 
the  common  wind-colic  or  that  known  as  bilious,  I 
regard  as  one  of  our  best  remedies. 

CAULOPHYLLUM. 

(Blue  Cohosh.) 

We  employ  this  remedy  in  infusion  as  a  parturi- 
ent, and  in  the  form  of  a  tincture  of  the  recently 
dried  root,  §viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  The  alcoholic 
fluid  extract,  representing  ounce  for  ounce,  is  also  a 
good  preparation. 

Caulophyllum    exerts  a   very  decided    influence 


100  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

upon  the  parturient  uterus,  stimulating  normal  con- 
traction, both  before  and  after  delivery.  Its  first 
use,  in  this  case,  is  to  relieve  false  pains ;  its  second, 
to  effect  co-ordination  of  the  muscular  contractions  • 
and  third,  to  increase  the  power  of  these.  The 
first  and  second  are  the  most  marked,  yet  the  third 
is  quite  certain.  Still  if  any  o*ne  expects  the  marked 
influence  of  Ergot,  in  violent  and  continued  con- 
tractions, he  will  be  disappointed. 

I  judge  that  it  exerts  its  influence  through  the 
hypogastric  plexus  ;  though  to  some  extent  it  influ- 
ences every  process  controlled  by  the  sympathetic. 
Acting  in  this  way  it  influences  the  circulation,  nu- 
trition, and  functions  of  the  reproductive  organs. 
I  have  employed  it  in  chronic  uterine  diseases  with 
some  advantage ;  but  further  study  is  necessary  to 
point  out  the  particular  cases. 

It  may  be  used  with  good  effect  in  some  cases  of 
nervous  disease;  especially  in  that  condition  known 
as  asthenic  plethora. 

As  a  remedy  for  rheumatism  it  is  inferior  to  the 
Macrotys,  but  in  some  cases  it  exerts  a  better  influ- 
ence. My  experience  has  not  been  sufficient  to 
point  out  these  cases,  and  in  this  respect  the  remedy 
needs  further  study. 

I  would  suggest,  also,  the  trial  of  a  tincture  of 
the  recent  root. 


CHIMAPHILLA   UMBELLATA.  101 

CEANOTHUS   AMERICANUS. 

(Redroot.) 

This  agent  deserves  investigation,  as  it  possesses 
marked  medicinal  properties.  The  direction  of  ex- 
periment may  be  judged  by  reference  to  the  Dis- 
pensatory. Use  a  tincture  of  the  recently  dried 
root,  in  doses  of  30  to  60  drops. 

CELASTRUS   SCANDENS. 
(False  Bittersweet.) 

This  belongs  to  the  class  alterative.  It  has  no 
special  action  that  I  am  aware  of,  though  it  might 
be  studied  with  advantage. 

CHELONE  GLABRA. 
(Balmony.) 

The  Chelone  exerts  an  influence  on  waste  and 
nutrition,  and  deserves  study.  We  would  prepare  a 
tincture  from  the  recent  leaves,  by  expression,  in 
the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol,  76°  Oj.  Dose, 
ten  to  thirty  drops. 

CHIMAPHILLA    UMBELLATA. 

(PlPSISSEWA.) 

The  Chimaphilla  has  been  used  mostly  in  infu- 
sion or  decoction :  but  for  general  use  it  may  be 
prepared  in  the  form  of  tincture,  both  of  the  recent 
and  the  dried  leaves — though  they  will  differ  mate- 


102  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

rially  in  strength  and  properties — the  fresh  leaves 
possessing  a  volatile  principle  which  is  lost  in  drying. 

The  Chimaphilla  has  been  principally  employed 
as  a  tonic  diuretic,  influencing  the  urinary  apparatus 
in  a  similar  manner  to  the  Buchu  and  Uva-Ursi, 
though  I  think  it  preferable  to  either.  It  relieves 
irritation  of  the  entire  urinary  tract,  and  improves 
the  circulation  and  nutrition  of  these  organs. 

It  also  influences  the  processes  of  waste  and 
nutrition,  and  possesses  the  properties  termed  alte- 
rative. In  this  respect  it  has  not  been  thoroughly 
studied,  though  highly  spoken  of  by  some  in  the 
treatment  of  scrofula  and  secondary  syphilis. 

CHIONANTHUS   VIKGINICA. 

(Fringe-Tree.) 

This  agent  comes  to  us  with  the  recommendation 
of  Dr.  I.  J.  M.  Goss,  of  Georgia,  who  says  : 

"  It  possesses  important  alterative  properties.  As 
a  catalytic,  it  has  the  most  decided  influence  over 
the  glandular  system  of  any  article  I  have  tried. 
It  pervades  the  whole  system,  combining  with  the 
materies  morbi,  and  conveying  it  out  of  the  system. 
I  have  used  it  in  mercurial  cachexy  with  the  most 
happy  success,  in  quite  a  number  of  instances. 
But  the  most  important  therapeutical  property  that 
it  possesses,  is  its  specific  power  over  morbid  condi- 
tions of  the  liver.  I  have  tried  it  in  hypertrophy 
of  that  organ,  and  with  uniform  success ;  and  also 
in  obstruction  of  the  liver,  in  malarious  districts, 


CHLOROFORM.  103 

with  like  success.  Some  years  ago  I  called  the  at- 
tention of  the  profession  to  its  specific  effects  in 
jaundice,  and  gave  several  cases  in  proof  of  the  fact. 
Since  then  I  have  used  the  Chionanthus  in  a  great 
many  cases  of  jaundice,  and  have  never  failed  to  re- 
move it  in  but  one  single  case,  and  that  one  I  think 
was  a  case  of  obstruction  of  the  gall  ducts  by  cal- 
culi ;  in  that  case,  I  tried  all  the  reputed  cholagogues, 
without  success.  It  removes  jaundice  of  years 
standing,  in  from  eight  to  ten  days.  I  have  treated 
several  persons  that  had  been  subject  to  jaundice, 
annually,  in  summer,  for  several  years,  and  had  been 
dosed  with  blue  pill,  calomel,  and  other  articles, 
without  any  benefit,  and  I  have  not  failed  in  a 
single  instance,  to  remove  the  disease  entirely. 
And  when  it  is  relieved  with  the  Chionanthus,  it 
does  not  return  ;  at  least  it  has  not,  in  any  instance 
to  my  knowledge.  It  is  as  near  a  specific  in  jaun- 
dice, as  quinine  in  periodicity.  The  mode  in  which 
I  have  used  it  is  to  make  a  tincture  of  the  bark  of 
the  root  in  gin,  say  §ij.  to  the  quart  of  gin,  and 
give  gss.  of  this  every  three  hours,  or  the  fluid  ex- 
tract, and  give  from  one  to  two  drachms  every 
three  hours." 

CHLOROFORM. 

Chloroform  by  inhalation  exerts  a  specific  influence 
upon  the  cerebral  center,  arresting  its  power  to  re- 
ceive impressions — a  condition  known  as  ansesthesia. 
If  carried  still  farther,  it  influences  the  spinal  center 


104  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

in  the  same  manner,  and  arrests  automatic  move- 
ment— respiration.  This  action  is  so  well  known, 
that  it  is  not  worth  while  occupying  our  space 
with  it. 

Administered  hy  mouth,  in  small  doses,  it  is  a 
cerebral  stimulant;  in  large  doses,  it  lessens  con- 
sciousness, the  effect  being  more  like  poisoning  by 
Alcohol,  than  the  anaesthetic  influence  from  its  in- 
halation. 

In  small  doses  (gtts.  x.  to  5j«)  it  is  successfully 
employed  to  arrest  convulsions.  The  small  doses 
are  safe,  but  it  will  not  do  to  repeat  it  often  in  the 
larger  quantity  named.  It  is  also  used  to  relieve 
gastro-intestinal  pains,  especially  in  the  form  of 
common  colic. 

In  cases  of  biliary  calculus  it  is  used  as  a  prophy- 
lactic, preventing  the  deposit  of  cholesterin,  and 
causing  its  solution  when  deposited.  For  this  pur- 
pose it  is  used  in  doses  of  gtts.  xx.,  three  times  a 
day. 

CHLORAL  HYDRATE. 

The  introduction  of  this  new  remedy  has  been 
attended  with  the  same  enthusiasm  displayed  in  the 
case  of  Bromide  of  Potassium.  It  is  evidently  good 
for  something,  but  what,  has  not  yet  been  satisfac- 
torily determined. 

It  is  a  hypnotic,  and  may  be  employed  for  this 
purpose,  where  there  is  an  enfeebled  condition  of  the 
brain,  with  impaired   nutrition.     It   relieves   pain, 


CHLORAL  HYDRATE.  105 

when  the  nervous  centers  are  suffering  from  im- 
paired circulation  and  irritation,  and  maybe  advan- 
tageously employed  in  these  cases. 

It  has  been  successfully  employed  in  the  treat- 
ment of  delirium  tremens,  but  in  some  cases  it  has 
failed.  I  have  not  used  it  for  this  purpose,  but  ap- 
plying the  above  principles  would  conclude  that  it 
is  a  remedy  only  in  those  in  which  the  nervous 
centers  are  suffering  the  exhaustion  of  over  stimula- 
tion, and  not  in  those  in  which  there  is  irritation 
and  determination  of  blood.  These  cases  require 
opposite  remedies,  and  if  I  am  correct  in  the  view 
I  have  taken  of  the  action  of  Chloral,  it  will 
doubtless  prove  a  very  important  remedy. 

The  remedy  also  suggests  itself  as  one  adapted 
to  allay  irritation  and  produce  sleep  in  a  majority 
of  cases  of  puerperal  mania.  Dr.  Playfair  reports 
a  case  in  which  it  was  used  with  excellent  success. 

I  am  satisfied  from  its  action  that  it  will  prove  a 
boon  to  the  opium  eater  who  desires  to  break  off 
the  destructive  habit.  Whilst  its  influence  upon  the 
nerve  centers  is  the  same  as  stimulant  dose3  of 
Opium,  and  will  thus  give  present  relief,  it  gives 
strength  to  the  cerebral  circulation,  and  will  thus 
favor  normal  nutrition ;  then  the  dose  can  be  les- 
sened, and  finally  the  remedy  dispensed  with. 

To  give  the  estimate  in  which  the  drug  is  now 
held,  I  quote  from  the  London  Lancet : 

"  This  interesting  drug  has  now  been  sufficiently 
tested  by  a  large  number  of  eminent  practitioners 
to  enable  us  to  form  a  tolerably  clear  idea  both  of 


106  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

its  merits  and  its  defects ;  and  as  we  perceive  that 
(after  the  usual  fashion  in  matters  medical)  there  is 
going  to  be  an  epidemic  rage  for  the  new  remedy, 
it  may  he  well  to  call  the  attention  of  the  public  to 
the  principal  features  of  its  action  which  can  be 
said  to  be  fairly  made  out. 

"  In  the  first  place,  the  term  '  anesthetic  "  should 
no  longer  be  applied  to  chloral,  for  it  has  entirely 
failed  to  make  good  its  claim  to  this  reputation  ; 
even  the  largest  doses  do  but  produce  a  heavy  and 
prolonged  sleep,  which  is,  however,  essentially  dif- 
ferent from  true  anaesthesia.  On  the  other  hand,  as 
a  producer  of  sleep,  Chloral  is,  in  many  respects, 
unrivaled ;  for  though,  like  every  other  remedy,  it 
fails  in  a  considerable  number  of  cases,  it  does  suc- 
ceed in  a  very  large  number ;  in  fact,  it  is  inferior 
in  certainty,  as  a  hypnotic,  to  Opium  alone.  More- 
over, it  is  very  greatly  superior  to  Opium,  and 
almost  every  other  drug,  in  the  character  of  its 
sleep-producing  action;  there  are  no  attendant 
symptoms  of  cerebral  oppression;  the  sleep,  though 
often  prolonged,  is  light  and  refreshing,  and  no  un- 
pleasant after-symptoms  are  experienced.  It  is  im- 
portant to  observe,  however,  that  this  description 
only  applies  to  the  use  of  moderate  quantities,  and 
that  not  only  unpleasant  but  highly  dangerous 
symptoms  have  been  produced  by  doses  which  we 
regret  to  see  are  very  commonly  used.  Very  careful 
inquiry  leads  us  to  assert  that  it  is  both  unnecessary 
and  dangerous  to  give  larger  doses  than  twenty  to 
thirty  grains,  repeated  once  or  twice  if  necessary, 


CHLORAL   HYDRATE.  107 

for  hypnotic  purposes.  Doubtless  it  might  happen 
that  100  consecutive  patients  might  take  much 
larger  doses  with  impunity,  but  the  101st  might 
present  the  alarming  symptoms  described  by  Dr. 
Reynolds,  in  a  recent  number  of  the  Practitioner,  as 
produced  by  a  dose  of  fifty  grains,  and  these  symp- 
toms might  easily  take  a  fatal  turn. 

"  As  a  remedy  for  pain,  Chloral  holds  a  very 
varying  place  in  the  estimation  of  medical  men, 
some  rating  it  highly,  and  others  thinking  it  almost 
worthless.  Perhaps  the  safest  estimate  of  its  power 
over  pain  is  that  it  only  exerts  an  indirect  influence 
by  inducing  a  disposition  to  sleep,  in  which  the  pain 
is  forgotten.  Certainty  it  has  entirely  failed,  in  the 
hands  of  the  present  writer,  to  relieve  severe  pain 
of  a  pure  neuralgic  type.  On  the  other  hand,  there 
is  a  good  deal  of  evidence  that  it  relieves  suffering 
where  the  parts  are  very  tense,  and  where  mere  arte- 
rial throbbing  counts  for  much  in  the  production  of 
pain  ;  thus  it  has  been  very  favorably  spoken  of  for 
its  effects  in  gout.  And  this  fact,  if  it  be  correct, 
corresponds  with  certain  observations  which  have 
been  made  as  to  its  action  on  the  circulation.  Both 
from  sphygmographic  experiments  on  healthy  per- 
sons and  on  patients,  and  also  from  the  details  of 
the  nearly  fatal  case  reported  by  Dr.  Reynolds,  there 
is  reason  to  think  that  Chloral  exerts  a  contracting 
influence  upon  the  arteries,  powerful  in  proportion 
to  the  dose ;  and  it  may  well  be  that  arterial  throb- 
bing is  checked  by  this  kind  of  influence, 

"  On  the  whole,  however,  there  can  be  little  doubt 


108  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

that  the  great  function  of  Chloral  is  that  of  a  hyp- 
notic and  calmer  of  general  nervous  irritability. 
In  delirium  tremens  it  is  excellent :  and  it  is  prob- 
able that  with  two  such  weapons  for  choice  as  Bro- 
mide of  Potassium  and  Chloral  we  shall  be  able 
almost  entirely  to  dispense  with  the  use  of  Opium, 
which  is  so  uncertain  and  dangerous  a  remedy  in 
that  disease.  In  the  state  of  sleeplessness  which 
threatens  the  access  of  puerperal  mania,  Chloral  is 
probably  an  unequaled  remedy.  In  melancholia 
its  action  as  a  hypnotic  appears  to  be  powerfully  and 
remarkably  sure.  In  mania  ,  also,  it  acts  well 
enough  as  a  hypnotic,  though  there  seems  some 
division  of  opinion  as  to  whether  it  does  permanent 
good.  We  may  also  state  that  in  the  irritable  con- 
dition of  aged  persons  who  find  it  difficult  to  sleep 
for  any  length  of  time  continuously,  the  use  of  a 
single  dose  of  thirty  grains  of  Chloral  appears  often 
to  answer  excellently  well.  The  minor  uses  of  the 
drug  in  relieving  more  trivial  conditions  of  nervous 
irritation,  and  in  alleviating  painful  spasmodic 
symptoms  of  various  kinds,  are  probably  consider- 
able." 

CINCHONA.— (See  Quinia.) 

CISTUS   CANADENSIS. 

(Rock-Rose.) 

Preparation. — A  tincture  is  prepared  from  the 
recent  plant,  in  the  proportion  of  §viij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.     The  dose  is  from  ten  to  thirty  drops. 


CINNAMON.  109 

The  Cistus  has  a  direct  and  positive  influence  on 
the  processes  of  waste  and  nutrition,  and  hence 
possesses  the  properties  known  as  alterative.  It  has 
been  used  with  especial  advantage  in  scrofula,  and 
in  chronic  diseases  dependent  upon  an  enfeebled 
nutrition,  or  deposit  of  imperfectly  formed  plasma. 

It  is  also  reported  to  have  a  specific  influence 
upon  the  iutestinal  canal,  curing  chronic  diarrhoea 
and  dysentery.  It  deserves  a  thorough  investiga- 
tion, which  I  trust  some  of  our  practitioners  will 
give  it. 

CINNAMON. 

Preparation. — "We  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  oil, 
in  the  proportion  of  5j.  to  Alcohol  98°  5viij.  Dose 
five  to  thirty  drops. 

Cinnamon  thus  prepared  exerts  a  direct  influence 
upon  the  uterus,  causing  contraction  of  its  muscular 
fibre,  and  arresting  hemorrhage.  To  a  limited  ex- 
tent, it  exerts  an  influence  on  the  entire  circulatory 
system,  checking  hemorrhage  from  any  part. 

It  is  the  most  certain  remedy  we  have  for  uterine 
hemorrhage,  either  during  parturition  or  at  the 
menstrual  period.  I  have  used  it  since  I  com- 
menced practice,  and  have  never  failed  to  arrest 
post-partum  hemorrhage  with  it,  though  I  have 
had  some  very  severe  cases. 


110  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

CLEMATIS   VIRGINIANA. 

(Virgin's  Bower.) 

This  agent  has  not  been  studied,  though  it  de- 
serves investigation.  Prepare  a  tincture  from  the 
recent  leaves,  in  the  proportion  of  5viij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.,  using  pressure.  Dose,  gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  x. 
To  determine  its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system 
and  upon  the  secretions. 

COFFEE,  (Java  or  Rio.) 

Take  of  the  berries  of  Coffee,  ground  (not  roasted) 
gviij.,  Alcohol,  76°  Oj.  Make  a  tincture  by  perco- 
lation.    Dose  gtts.  ij.  to  gtts.  x. 

Coffee  is  a  stimulant  to  the  cerebral  nervous  sys- 
tem, and  may  be  employed  in  many  cases  where 
there  is  atony,  with  disordered  function.  Were  it 
not  for  the  general  use  of  coffee  as  a  beverage,  it 
would  prove  a  valuable  remedy  ;  but  when  persons 
are  habituated  to  its  use,  it  exerts  but  little  influ- 
ence. 

COLLINSONIA  CANADENSIS. 

(Stone  Root.) 

We  employ  an  alcoholic  fluid  extract  of  the  Col- 
linsonia,  representing  the  crude  article  ounce  for 
ounce.  As  there  are  a  great  many  imperfect  prepa- 
rations in  the  market,  I  would  advise  that  it  be 
procured  from  one  of  our  own  houses  in  this  city. 

Collinsonia  is  a  specific  in  ministers'  sore  throat ; 


COLCHICUM.  Ill 

administered  in  the  proportion  of:  Ify  Fluid  Extract 
of  Collinsonia,  Simple  Syrup,  aa.,  half  teaspoonful 
to  a  teaspoonful  four  times  a  day. 

It  proves  beneficial  in  other  cases  of  chronic  laryn- 
gitis, in  chronic  bronchitis,  and  phthisis,  allaying 
irritation,  and  checking  cough. 

It  also  exerts  a  favorable  influence  upon  the 
digestive  processes,  improving  the  appetite,  facilitat- 
ing digestion,  and  acting  as  a  general  tonic. 

It  passes  oft*  through  the  kidneys,  and  exerts  a 
tonic  influence  upon  the  entire  extent  of  the  urinary 
tract. 

I  have  thought  that  its  influence  was  specially  ex- 
erted upon  and  through  the  pneumogastric,  relieving 
irritation  of,  and  giving  strength  to  parts  supplied 
from  this  source. 

Collinsonia  is  a  specific  in  the  early  stages  of  he- 
morrhoids, and  will  sometimes  effect  a  cure  in  the 
advanced  stages  of  the  disease.  In  this  case  it  is 
employed  in  small  doses  :  Ify  Fluid  Extract  of  Col- 
linsonia, 3j- ;  Water,  51  v. ;  a  teaspoonful  four  times 
a  day. 

I  have  given  the  therapeutics  of  Collinsonia  thus 
briefly,  that  the  points  named  might  make  the 
greater  impression  upon  the  reader.  I  regard  it  as 
one  of  the  most  direct  and  valuable  agents  of  the 
Materia  Medica,  and  one  that  will  give  satisfaction 
to  whoever  employs  it. 


112  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

COLCHICUM. 

It  is  difficult  to  procure  a  reliable  preparation  of 
Colchicum,  and  we  have  beeu  obliged  to  use  the 
English  wine  of  Colchicum.  Our  manufacturers  in 
this  city  now  prepare  a  fluid  extract,  representing 
ounce  for  ounce  of  the  crude  article.  The  medium 
dose  is  one  drop ;  we  do  not  desire  a  cathartic 
action. 

Colchicum  has  long  been  used  as  a  remedy  for 
rheumatism  and  gout;  and,  though  probably  the 
best  of  the  old  Materia  Medica,  it  failed  of  giving 
its  best  results,  because  used  in  poisonous  doses. 
In  acute  and  chronic  rheumatism  it  should  be  em- 
ployed in  small  doses,  following  or  alternated  with 
the  sedatives.  We  only  obtain  its  anti-rheumatic 
influence  when  the  pulse  and  temperature  are  re- 
duced to  nearly  a  normal  standard. 

It  is  also  beneficial  in  some  cases  of  intestinal  dis- 
turbance, especially  when  there  are  gaseous  accu- 
mulations. Thus  in  colic  from  intestinal  irritation, 
it  may  be  employed  in  the  proportion  of  gtts.  xx. 
to  water,  5iv.,  a  teaspoonful  every  two  hours,  with 
prospect  of  success. 

It  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  skin,  and  may 
occasionally  be  employed  with  advantage  in  chronic 
disease  of  the  surface. 

COLQCYNTH. 

Colocynth  has  been  employed  as  a  cathartic,  but 
for  this  purpose  it  is  harsh  and  uncertain,  and  may 
well  be  dispensed  with. 


CYPRIPEDIUM   PUBESCENS.  113 

I  use  it  wholly  as  a  remedy  for  dysentery.  And 
for  this  purpose  employ  the  alcoholic  fluid  extract, 
in  small  doses,  usually  5ss.  to /Water  §iv.  A  tea- 
spoonful  every  hour  will  give  the  best  results. 

It  will  also  prove  beneficial  in  some  cases  of  colic, 
and  in  diarrhoea  attended  with  tormina  and  tenes- 
mus. I  am  satisfied  that  a  thorough  investigation 
of  the  remedy  in  small  doses,  will  develop  other  im- 
portant uses. 

CYPRIPEDIUM  PUBESCENS. 

(Lady's  Slipper.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
dried  root,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.     The  dose  will  range  from  gtts.  ij.  to  5j. 

The  Cypripedium  is  a  nerve  stimulant,  improving 
the  circulation  and  nutrition  of  the  nerve  centers. 
Hence  it  proves  useful  in  sleeplessness,  nervous  irri- 
tability from  atony,  in  neuralgia,  delirium,  and 
other  disturbances  from  the  same  cause. 

It  is  a  feeble  agent,  and  too  much- must  not  be 
expected  from  it.  It  is  a  stimulant,  and  will  only 
be  applicable  in  nervous  atony. 

Its  best  use  will  doubtless  be  found  in  children,  to 
soothe  irritation  of  the  nervous  system.  I  make 
the  following  prescription  which  is  an  admirable 
"  Soothing  Syrup." 

Jfc    Tinct.  of  Cypripedium, 

Comp.  Tinct.  of  Lavender,  aa.  3ij. 

Tinct.  of  Lobelia,  5j. 

Simple  Syrup,  giiiss.  M. 


10 


114  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

DATURA    STRAMONIUM. 

(Jamestown  Weed.) 

The  Stramonium  is  a  very  active  agent,  and  yet 
I  have  not  been  able  to  determine  any  important 
medicinal  use  for  its  internal  administration.  I 
doubt  whether  it  exerts  any  medicinal  effect  in  its 
common  external  application  ;  the  good  influence, 
if  any,  coming  from  the  fomentation  in  the  one 
case,  or  the  alcohol  when  used  as  a  tincture. 

An  ointment,  prepared  by  boiling  the  fresh  leaves 
in  mutton  tallow,  furnishes  an  excellent  local  appli- 
cation for  hemorrhoids,  and  ulceration  of  mucous 
surfaces. 

DELPHINIUM  STAPHISAGRIA. 

(Stavesacre.) 

Preparation. — A  tincture  is  prepared  from  the 
ground  seed,  (it  having  been  pressed  between  bibu- 
lous paper  to  remove  the  iixed  oil),  in  the  propor- 
tion of  gviij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj. 

The  Tincture  of  Staphisagria  has  a  specific  action 
upon  the  reproductive  organs  of  both  male  and 
female  ;  but  more  marked  in  the  first.  It  quiets  ir- 
ritation of  the  testes,  and  strengthens  their  func- 
tion ;  it  lessens  irritation  of  the  prostate  and  vesi- 
cuhe  ;  arrests  prostatorrhcea,  and  cures  inflamma- 
tion of  these  parts.  It  also  exerts  a  marked  influ- 
ence upon  the  urethra,  quieting  irritation  and 
checking  mucous,  or  mnco -purulent   discharges;  it 


DIGITALIS    PURPUREA.  115 

influences  the  bladder  and  kidneys,  but  in  less 
degree. 

The  action  of  Staphisagria  upon  the  nervous  sys- 
tem is  peculiar.  It  exerts  a  favorable  influence 
where  there  is  depression  of  spirits  and  despondence, 
in  cases  of  hypochondriasis  and  hysteria,  especially 
when  attended  with  moroseness,  and  violent  out- 
bursts of  passion. 

I  employ  it  in  the  proportion  of:  Ify  Tincture  of 
Staphisagria,  5j  ;  Water,  giv.  A  teaspoonful  every 
four  hours. 

The  seed  of  the  Delphinum  Consolida  or  Larkspur, 
possesses  similar  medical  properties,  but  is  not  so 
active  ;  a  tincture  may  be  prepared  in  the  same  way, 
and  used  in  the  same  dose. 

DIERVILLA  CANADENSIS. 

(Bush  Honeysuckle.) 

Preparation. — A  tincture  may  be  prepared  from 
the  recent  leaves  and  twigs,  gviij.  to  Alcohol  76° 
Oj.     Dose  gtts.  x.  to  5j- 

We  have  no  positive  knowledge  with  regard  to 
this  agent,  though  it  is  credited  with  active  proper- 
ties. It  would  be  well  to  test  its  influence  upon  the 
urinary  apparatus,  and  to  increase  waste  and  nutri- 
tion. 

DIGITALIS  PURPUREA. 
(Foxglove.) 

Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent  dried  leaves  in 
the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose, 


116  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

from  a  fraction  of  one  drop  to  five  drops. — Ij*  Tinc- 
ture of  Digitalis,  gtts.  x.  to  xx. ;  Water,  §iv.  A  tea- 
spoonful  every  one  or  two  hours. 

Digitalis  may  be  employed  for  the  general  pur- 
poses of  a  sedative,  to  lessen  the  frequency  of  the 
pulse,  and  the  temperature,  in  cases  of  fever  and 
inflammation.  It  is  somewhat  analogous  to  Aco- 
nite, and  exerts  the  best  influence  in  atonic  condi- 
tions. For  these  purposes,  however,  it  must  be  used 
in  small  doses. 

It  is  a  powerful  cardiac  tonic  when  used  in  small 
doses,  and  may  be  employed  iu  any  case  of  heart' 
disease  where  the  organ  is  enfeebled.  It  not  only 
gives  the  necessary  stimulation  for  the  present,  but 
it  gives  a  permanent  improvement;  doubtless 
through  an  improved  nutrition. 

It  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  capillary  circula- 
tion, and  may  be  employed  with  much  certainty  to 
arrest  asthenic  hemorrhages.  It  also  influences  the 
absorption  of  dropsical  deposits,  and  increases  secre- 
tion from  the  kidneys,  probably  in  the  same  way. 

There  is  no  cumulative  effect  when  Digitalis  is 
used  in  small  doses. 

DIOSCOREA  VILLOSA. 
(Wild  Yam.) 

An  infusion  of  the  recent  Dioscorea  will  un- 
doubtedly give  the  best  results.  A  tincture  may  be 
prepared  from  the  recent  root  in  the  proportion  of 
5viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 


DROSERA    ROTUNDIFOLIA.  117 

The  article  that  has  been  sold  for  Dioscorea  by 
most  of  our  druggists  for  the  past  ten  years,  and 
from  which  the  Dioscorein  has  been  prepared,  is  a 
species  of  smilax.  A  very  good  joke  on  Dioscorein ! 
but  unpleasant  to  those  who  have  expected  it  to 
relieve  pain  iu  the  bowels. 

True  Dioscorea,  when  recent,  is  a  specific  in 
bilious  colic,  when  given  in  infusion,  or  even  in 
tincture.  In  any  case  it  allays  gastro  intestinal  irri- 
tation, and  favorably  influences  the  vegetative  pro- 
cesses. It  is  a  feeble  but  certain  diaphoretic,  and 
allays  irritation  of  the  nervous  system. 

DROSERA  ROTUNDIFOLIA. 

(Sundew.) 

We  employ  a  tincture  of  the  fresh  plant  prepared 
in  Germany,  using  it  in  the  proportion  of :  ^  Tinc- 
ture of  Drosera,  gtts.  x.  to  5j- ;  Water,  Si  v.  A  tea- 
spoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 

I  use  the  Drosera  as  a  specific  in  the  cough  at- 
tending and  following  measles,  especially  where 
there  is  dryness  of  the  respiratory  mucous  mem- 
branes. An  experience  of  ten  years  with  it,  in  a 
large  number  of  cases,  has  given  me  great  confidence 
in  the  remedy. 

We  also  use  it  in  cases  of  whooping  cough,  espe- 
cially where  there  is  dryness  of  the  air-passages, 
and  much  irritation  of  the  nervous  system. 
Whilst  it  is  not  a  remedy  for  all  cases  of  whooping 
cough,  it  is  a  true  specific  in  those  to  which  it  is 


118  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

adapted.  I  have  often  seen  a  serious  case  of  the 
disease  relieved  in  twenty-four  hours,  and  an  entire 
arrest  of  the  cough  in  two  weeks. 

We  also  employ  it  in  cases  of  chronic  cough,  with 
dryness  of  the  air-passages  and  nervous  irritation, 
with  much  advantage.  It  makes  little  difference 
whether  it  arises  from  bronchial  irritation  or  inflam- 
mation or  phthisis,  if  associated  with  irritation  of 
the  basilar  portions  of  the  brain,  and  pueumogastric. 

EPia^A  REPENS. 
(Trailing  Arbutus.) 

This  remedy  deserves  further  and  careful  investi- 
gation. We  wish  to  determine  its  influence  upon 
the  urinary  apparatus,  and  the  intestinal  canal. 

For  this  purpose  a  tincture  of  the  fresh  leaves 
may  be  prepared  with  dilute  alcohol. 

EPILOBIUM  PALUSTRE. 

For  general  use  the  infusion  is  the  preferable  form 
for  administration  ;  but  we  have  a  tincture  prepared 
with  dilute  alcohol,  employing  pressure. 

The  Epilobium  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon 
the  intestinal  mucous  membrane,  relieving  irritation, 
and  promoting  normal  function.  Thus,  it  is  em- 
ployed in  acute  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  and  in  colic, 
with  advantage.  I  have  also  prescribed  it  to  quiet 
the  irritation  and  check  the  diarrhoea  in  typhoid 
fever,  with  marked  benefit. 

It  is    especially   valuable,   however,   in    chronic 


ERIGERON   CANADENSE.  119 

diarrhoea  and  dysentery;  sometimes  effecting  cures 
where  all  other  means  had  failed.  Thus,  I  employed 
it  extensively  in  the  treatment  of  the  chronic  diar- 
rhoea during  the  recent  war,  and  with  a  success  not 
to  be  obtained  from  other  remedies.  I  do  not  pre- 
tend to  account  for  its  action,  bat  its  curative  influ- 
ence is  well  established. 

ERECHTHITES  HIERACIFOLIUS. 

(FlREWEED.) 

preparation. — A  tincture  may  be  prepared  from 
the  recent  plant,  in  the  usual  proportions,  using 
alcohol  of  76°.     Dose  from  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 

We  have  here  another  remedy  that  requires 
study.  It  influences  mucous  tissue,  especially  of 
the  bowels  and  lungs,  and  this  will  be  the  direction 
of  the  investigation. 

ERIGERON   CANADENSE. 

(Canada  Fleabane.) 

We  employ  the  Oil  of  Erigeron  in  practice,  for 
the  arrest  of  hemorrhage.  For  passive  hemorrhage 
it  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  remedies  we  have, 
and  may  be  relied  upon  in  hemorrhage  from  any 
organ  or  part.  For  this  purpose  the  dose  will  be 
from  five  to  ten  drops  on  sugar,  as  often  as  may 
seem  necessary. 

The  Erigeron  influences  the  kidneys  in  a  manner 
similar  to  Buchu.  It  may  be  employed  in  diabetes 
and  albuminuria  with   advantage ;  also,  in  chronic 


120  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  bladder  and  urethra. 
Latterly  it  has  been  recommended  for  gonorrhoea. 

ERYNGIUM  AQUATICUM. 

(Water   Eryngo.) 

The  Eryngium  may  be  employed  in  infusion,  or 
in  the  form  of  a  tincture  of  the  recent  dried  root, 
oviij.  to  proof  spirit,  Oj.     Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  gtts.  xx. 

The  Eryngium  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon 
the  bladder  and  urethra,  relieving  irritation.  It  is 
one  of  the  most  certain  remedies  that  can  be  em- 
ployed in  dysuria  from  irritation,  and  in  spasmodic 
stricture;  continued,  it  proves  curative  in  these 
cases. 

It  has  been  employed  for  other  purposes,  and  we 
find  it  highly  recommended.  It  undoubtedly  de- 
serves a  thorough  investigation. 

EUONYMUS  ATROPURPUREUS. 

(Wahoo.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  bark  of 
the  recent  root,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alco- 
hol 76°  Oj.     Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 

The  Euonymus  stimulates  the  nutritive  processes, 
and  in  some  cases  improves  digestion.  Usually, 
however,  it  will  need  to  be  combined  with  a  pure 
bitter,  as  the  hydrastis,  to  get  its  full  action  in  this 
direction. 

It  exerts  a  marked  influence  in  malarial  diseases, 
and  deserves  the  name  of  an  antiperiodic,  though  it 


EUPATORIUM.  121 

is  much  feebler  than  Quinine.  It  may,  however,  be 
used  in  these  cases  with  marked  advantage,  after 
the  fever  has  been  once  broken. 


EUPATORIUM  AROMATICUM. 

(White  Snakeroot.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
dried  root,  in  the  proportion  of  Syiij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.     Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 

This  variety  of  the  Eupatorium  exerts  a  marked 
influence  upon  the  brain,  relieving  irritation  and 
promoting  normal  action.  It  is  also  diaphoretic, 
and  probably  influences,  to  a  slight  degree,  all  of 
the  functions  governed  by  the  sympathetic.  It  will 
repay  careful  investigation. 

EUPATORIUM  TEUCRIFOLIUM. 

(Wild  Hoarhouxd.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
plant,  using  dilute  alcohol.  The  dose  will  vary 
from  one  drop  to  one  drachm. 

In  small  doses  it  stimulates  all  the  functions  con- 
trolled by  the  sympathetic  nervous  system ;  im- 
proving digestion,  blood  making,  and  stimulates 
waste  and  excretion.  It  may  be  combined  with  a 
simple  bitter  tonic,  or  preparation  of  iron,  or  the 
hypophosphites,  for  its  restorative  influence,  or  with 
the  vegetable  alteratives  for  its  other  use. 

In  large  doses  it  is  a  powerful  diaphoretic. 
11 


122  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

EUPATOMUM   PURPUKEUM. 

(Queen  or  the  Meadow.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
root,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj. 
Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  l'5ss. 

Its  principal  influence  is  upon  the  kidneys,  and  it 
may  be  employed  whenever  an  increased  volume  of 
urine  is  desirable. 

.     It  has  been  mostly  employed  in  the  treatment  of 
dropsy,  with  reported  success. 

Its  influence  upon  the  urinary  organs  may  doubt- 
less be  made  valuable,  but  it  requires  further  study. 

EUPATOEIUM  PERFOLIATUM. 

(Boneset.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recently 
dried  herb  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  proof  spirit 
Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5j- 

The  Eupatorium  increases  functional  activity  of 
the  skin,  and  to  a  less  extent,  secretion  from  the 
kidneys.  It  also  influences  the  circulation,  to  a 
slight  extent,  and  does  well  combined  with  the 
sedatives. 

In  quite  small  doses  it  stimulates  the  sympathetic 
nervous  system,  and  improves  all  the  vegetative 
functions.  It  is  not  an  active  remedy,  and  too  much 
must  not  be  expected  from  it ;  yet,  in  many  cases, 
it  may  well  supplaut  costly  foreign  drugs. 


FERRUM.  123 

EUPHORBIA  COROLLATA.— E.  IPECACUANHA. 

(Bowman's  Root— Wild  Ipecac.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  of  the  first  from 
the  bark  of  the  root,  of  the  second,  from  the  root, 
(dried),  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose,  gtts.  j.  to  x. 

These  remedies  have  not  been  sufficiently  studied; 
yet,  possessing  active  properties,  they  are  likely  to 
prove  valuable.  The  Euphorbia  Corollata  exercises 
a  direct  influence  upon  the  mucous  surfaces,  reliev- 
ing irritation,  and  promoting  functional  activity. 
This  is  noticed  more  especially  in  the  digestive 
tract.  In  quite  small  doses  it  improves  digestion, 
both  stomachic  and  intestinal,  tends  to  overcome 
constipation  and  irregularity. 

It  may  be  employed  with  advantage  in  some 
forms  of  diarrhoea  and  dysentery,  using  it  in  the 
place  of  Ipecac.  To  arrest  inflammatory  action  in 
the  intestinal  canal,  seems  to  be  its  specific  use. 

FERRUM. 

(Iron.) 

"We  employ  two  preparations  of  Iron — Metallic 
Iron  in  powder,  and  the  Tincture  of  Chloride  of 
Iron.  The  first  is  Iron  by  Hydrogen  or  Quevenne's  ; 
a  good  article  may  be  known  by  its  iron-gray  color 
and  its  effervescing  with  acids,  the  spurious  is  black, 
and  effervesces  but  slightly.  The  Tincture  of  Chlo- 
ride of  Iron  should  be  ordered  of  a  reliable  manu- 
facturer.    It  will  be  a  clear,  deep-colored  tincture, 


121  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

without  a  trace  of  yellowness  or  deposit  at  the 
bottom  of  the  bottle. 

We  employ  Iron  as  a  restorative.  It  is  a  compo- 
nent part  of  the  red  corpuscles,  and  experience  has 
shown  that  its  administration  stimulates  the  forma- 
tion of  these  bodies.  In  proportion  as  the  red  cor- 
puscles are  increased,  blood-making  becomes  more 
active  and  nutrition  is  improved.  It  thus  becomes 
a  very  important  remedy  in  cases  of  anaemia,  with 
impaired  nutrition. 

As  a  restorative,  it  is  better  to  administer  the 
necessary  quantity  of  Iron  with  the  food.  Experi- 
ment has  demonstrated  that  at  other  times  it  is  ap- 
propriated slowly  or  not  at  all.  It  does  not  require 
a  very  large  amount  to  accomplish  the  object,  for 
Iron  exists  in  small  quantity  in  the  body.  The  dose 
of  Metallic  Iron  need  never  be  more  than  five  grains, 
often  not  more  than  one ;  whilst  of  the  Tincture, 
the  dose  will  be  from  five  to  twenty  drops. 

In  the  selection  of  the  preparation  I  would  be 
guided  by  the  appearance  of  the  mucous  membrane. 
If  it  is  dark-red,  use  the  Tincture  of  Chloride,  if 
pallid,  Metallic  Iron. 

We  also  employ  Iron  as  a  specific  against  certain 
zymotic  poisons.  The  reader  has  probably  employed 
The  Tincture  of  Chloride  in  erysipelas,  and  many 
regard  it  as  a  true  specific  in  the  disease,  rarely 
making  any  other  prescription.  I  think  we  may 
say,  that  in  all  cases  of  erysipelas  presenting  the 
deep-red  discoloration  of  mucous  membranes,  with 
the  same  deep  color  of  the  local  disease,  the  Tine- 


FRASBKA   CAROLINENSIS.  125 

ture  may  be  prescribed  with  great  confidence.  But 
my  experience  with  the  disease  has  shown  me  that 
where  the  mucous  membranes  are  pallid,  the  coat- 
ing of  the  tongue  white  and  pasty,  the  Sulphite  of 
Soda  is  the  best  remedy.  In  the*se  cases  Quevenne's 
Iron  might  be  tested. 

Rademacher  claimed  that  Iron  was  specific  to  one 
of  his  three  epidemic  constitutions.  This  was  charac- 
terized by  pallor  of  the  skin,  moderate  heat,  with  a 
small,  thin  or  soft,  empty  pulse.  His  description, 
so  far  as  I  have  seen  it  in  translation,  is  so  meager 
that  we  can  hardly  determine  the  coudition  in 
which  he  valued  it  so  highly,  even  treating  all  the 
ca^s  of  pneumonia  in  a  season  with  Iron  alone. 

FRASERA    CAROLINENSIS. 

(American  Columbo.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  in  the  proportion  of  fviij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj. 
Dose,  gtts.  j.  to  v. 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used,  and  that 
little  has  been  of  the  dried  root  as  a  tonic.  The 
recent  root  possesses  quite  active  properties,  and  is 
likely  to  repay  investigation.  It  is  stimulant  to  the 
circulation,  and  will  doubtless  exert  the  same  influ- 
ence upon  all  the  vegetative  functions.  Will  some 
one  give  it  a  thorough  study  and  report  ? 


126  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

FEAXINUS   SAMBUCIFOLIA— F.  ACUMINATA. 

(Ash.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
bark,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose  from  gtts.  ij.  to  f5ss. 

Both  the  black  &n<l*lvhite  ash  deserve  study.  The 
first,  for  its  influence  in  skin  diseases,  especially  of 
an  herpetic  character,  and  as  a  general  alterative. 
The  second,  to  improve  secretion,  and  for  its  influ- 
ence upon  the  chylopoietic  viscera. 

GALIUM   APARINE. 
(Cleavers.) 

Galium  is  most  frequently  employed  in  infusion, 
especially  for  its  influence  upon  the  urinary  appara- 
tus. A  tincture  may  be  prepared  from  the  recent 
herb  by  expression,  using  only  sufficient  alcohol  for 
preservation. 

The  first  use  of  Galium  is  to  relieve  irritation  of 
the  urinary  apparatus,  and  increase  the  amount  of 
urine.  For  this  purpose  it  will  be  found  one  of  our 
best  remedies.  In  dysuria  and  painful  micturition, 
it  will  frequently  give  prompt  relief. 

It  has  recently  been  employed  in  cancer,  used 
locally  and  internally.  A  case  of  hard  nodulated 
tumor  of  the  tongue,  apparently  cancerous,  is  re- 
ported in  the  British  Medical  Journal,  as  having 
been  cured  with  it.  Whether  it  was  cancerous  or 
not,  it  suggests  a  line  of  experiment  which  may 
develop  an  important  use  of  the  remedy. 


GELSEMINUM   SEMPERVIRENS.  127 

GAULTHERIA   PROCUMBENS. 

(WlNTERGREEN.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj. 
Dose  from  gtts.  ij.  to  gtts.  x. 

In  this  form  and  in  these  doses,  the  Gaultheria 
exerts  a  special  influence  upon  the  bladder,  prostate 
and  urethra,  allaying  irritation  and  inflammation. 
It  may  also  be  employed  in  dysuria.  Probably  one 
of  its  most  important  uses  is,  as  an  auaphrodisiac, 
exerting  a  direct  and  quite  certain  influence  upon 
the  reproductive  organs  of  both  male  and  female. 
For  this  purposs  it  is  employed  in  some  cases  of 
spermatorrhoea.  It  will  not  do,  however,  to  mis- 
take the  case,  and  use  it  where  the  venereal  func- 
tion is  already  impaired. 

GELSEMINUM  SEMPERVIRENS. 

(Yellow  Jessamine.) 

The  commercial  tincture  has  been  so  variable  in 
strength  that  much  harm  has  resulted  from  its  use. 
In  some  cases  the  harm  has  been  direct  from  over 
doses,  in  others,  indirect  from  depending  upon  a 
feeble  or  worthless  remedy.  Before  the  war,  we 
had  a  very  crude  tincture  prepared  from  the  green 
root,  with  proof  spirits  (whisky?),  containing  about 
as  much  of  the  medicinal  properties  as  could  be  held 
by  such  spirtt.  During  the  war,  there  being  diffi- 
culty in  obtaining  a  supply  of  the  root,  and  greater 


128  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

difficulty  in  having  it  shipped  green,  the  tincture  in 
the  market  gradually  deteriorated  until  it  was 
worthless.  Even  yet  it  has  not  regaiued  its  medici- 
nal properties  with  many  drvggers. 

We  have  thought  that  a  good  tincture  could  only 
he  made  from  the  fresh  root.  But  some  wTho  have 
employed  the  dried  root  (not  old),  claim  that  it 
makes  fully  as  reliable  a  tincture.  Dr.  Locke,  of 
Newport,  prepares  his  tincture  from  the  dried  root, 
and  claims  that  it  is  more  reliable  than  any  he  can  buy. 

It  is  not  worth  while  to  give  a  formula  for  the 
preparation  of  a  tincture,  as  it  wTill  be  purchased 
by  a  great  majority  of  our  readers.  That  which 
bears  the  label  of  "Specific  Medicine"  will  be 
found  very  strong.     Dose  from  gtts.  j.  to  gtts.  vj. 

Gelseminum  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon  the 
brain,  and  to  a  less  extent  upon  the  spinal  center 
and  sympathetic.  It  relieves  irritation  and  determi- 
nation of  blood,  and  the  disordered  innervation  that 
flows  from  it.  Probably  there  is  no  remedy  in  the 
Materia  Medica  that  is  more  direct  and  certain  in 
its  action.  Given,  a  case  of  irritation  and  determi- 
nation of  blood  to  the  brain,  marked  by  flushed 
face,  bright  eyes,  contracted  pupils,  restlessness  and 
irritability,  we  prescribe  Gelseminum  with  certainty. 
This  being  a  common  complication  in  diseases  of 
childhood,  it  is  especially  the  child's  remedy. 

Acting  in  this  direction,  it  lessens  the  frequency 
of  the  heart's  action,  and  removes  obstruction  to 
the  free  flow  of  blood — a  sedative.  It  also  increases 
secretion  in  the  same  way. 


GENTIANA   LUTEA.  129 

I  do  not  think  the  Gelseminum  exerts  any  impor- 
tant influence,  other  than  through  this  action  upon 
the  nervous  system.  But,  as  will  be  observed,  this 
is  a  very  important  action. 

It  is  contra-indicated  where  the  circulation  is 
feeble,  and  there  is  tendency  to  congestion.  Espe- 
cially if  there  is  a  feeble  circulation  in  the  nerve 
centers.  "We  never  give  it  if  the  eyes  are  dull, 
pupils  dilated,  and  the  countenance  expressionless. 
In  such  cases,  it  may  prove  fatal  in  quite  moderate 
doses.  A  number  of  these  cases  are  on  record, 
three  or  four  in  which  death  was  produced  by  as 
small  a  dose  as  gtts.  xxx.  of  a  common  tincture. 

It  has  one  other  specific  action,  which  is  worthy 
of  mention.  It  is  the  remedy  in  dysuria  from  stric- 
ture, and  will  rarely  fail  in  enabling  the  patient  to 
pass  urine  in  from  four  to  eight  hours. 

GENTIANA  LUTEA. 

(Gentian.) 

The  Gentian  is  an  excellent  stomachic  bitter,  and 
resembles,  in  its  medicinal  action,  our  Hydrastis. 
I  do  not  think,  however,  it  has  the  same  kindly  in- 
fluence in  irritable  conditions  of  the  stomach. 

A  very  fine  preparation  may  be  made  by  taking 
irve  parts  of  Gentian,  and  one  part  of  Podophyl- 
lum ;  and  making  a  tincture  by  percolation,  using 
dilute  Alcohol.  It  is  one  of  the  most  efficient 
remedies  I  have  ever  used  in  atony  of  the  stomach 
and  bowels,  with  feeble  or  slow  digestion. 


130  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

GERANIUM  MACULATUM. 

(Cranesbill.) 

The  Geranium  is  au  astringent  from  the  presence 
of  Tannic  and  Gallic  Acids  in  large  quantity ;  and 
hence  will  possess  the  medicinal  properties  of  these. 
It  is  claimed,  however,  to  possess  other  properties, 
acting  more  kindly,  and  giving  tone  to  mucous 
membranes.  Whilst  I  believe  the  remedy  has  been 
over-rated,  I  am  confident  that  experiment  will  de- 
velop some  special  use. 

It  maybe  employed  in  infusion  with  good  results, 
especially  when  a  topical  action  on  the  stomach  and 
bowels  is  wanted,  or  in  chronic  cases  when  we 
desire  the  action  of  Gallic  Acid.  For  general  use  I 
would  suggest  a  tincture  by  percolation,  using 
Alcohol  of  30°.  The  Gerauin,  though  not  entirely 
worthless,  is  a  feeble  and  costly  medicine. 

GERAKDIA  PEDICULARIA. 

Will  some  of  our  Southern  physicians  give  this 
remedy  a  trial  and  report.  For  experiment,  make 
a  tincture  by  percolation,  Sviij.  to  the  Oj.,  using 
dilute  Alcohol.  Test  it  as  a  sedative,  a  diaphoretic, 
and  an  antiseptic. 

GILLENIA  TRIFOLIATA— G.  STIPULACEA. 
(Indian  Physic) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  root,  in 
the  proportion  of  5viij.  to  proof  spirit,  Oj.  Dose 
from  gtts.  v.  to  5j- 


GLYCERINE.  131 

These  indigenous  remedies  possess  marked  me- 
dicinal properties,  yet  they  have  been  so  little  used 
of  late  years  that  most  physicians  know  nothing 
about  them. 

They  deserve  careful  study.  First,  to  determine 
their  relation  to  Ipecac,  and  whether  they  will  re- 
place it  in  practice.  The  direction  of  the  experi- 
ments may  be  seen  by  reference  to  this  agent.  We 
also  wish  to  determine  their  influence  upon  the 
functions  of  digestion  and  secretion. 

GLYCERINE. 

Glycerine  is  principally  employed  in  medicine  for 
its  topical  action.  It  is  slightly  stimulant  to  both 
skin  and  mucous  membrane,  and  shields  the  skin 
from  the  action  of  the  air.  In  many  cases  of  simple 
cutaneous  irritation,  it  will  prove  curative  alone. 
In  others,  it  will  prove  a  good  vehicle  for  the  appli- 
cation of  other  remedies.  In  some  cases  of  dys- 
pepsia, Glycerine  is  a  true  remedy,  allaying  irrita- 
tion, and  giving  gentle  stimulation. 

Glycerine  is  an  admirable  solvent,  and  may  be 
used  as  a  basis  for  many  preparations,  both  for  local 
use,  and  internal  administration. 

Notwithstanding  the  opposition,  I  still  prefer  the 
cheap  Glycerine,  manufactured  in  this  city,  to  the 
higher  priced  Eastern  and  Foreign  article.  An  ex- 
tended use  of  Gordon's  No.  1  Perfumer's  Glycerine, 
has  proved  to  me  that  it  is  the  most  bland  of  any 
article  in  the  market.     The  slight  odor  is  not  as 


132  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

objectionable  as  the  irritant  properties  developed 
by  repeated  distillation. 

GNAPHALIUM  POLYCEPHALUM. 

(White  Balsam.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  leaves, 
using  Alcohol  of  30°.     Dose  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

This  agent  has  been  but  little  used,  yet  we  think 
it  worthy  of  investigation.  The  line  of  experiment 
will  be,  to  determine  its  influence  upon  the  urinary 
and  reproductive  organs — in  acute  and  chronic  ulce- 
rations— and  its  action  on  the  digestive  apparatus. 

GOSSYPIUM  HEKBACEUM. 

(Cotton.) 

Some-  years  since  the  cotton-root  was  in  consider- 
able demand  as  an  abortive.  It  was  claimed  that 
the  Negro  women  of  the  South  made  common  use 
of  it,  and  that  it  was  so  certain  and  safe  that  they 
could  rid  themselves  of  the  product  of  conception 
whenever  they  wished,  and  without  impairment  of 
health.  It  was  singular  what  a  demand  sprung  up 
for  cotton-root  bark ;  but  fortunately  for  the  un- 
born it  had  no  influence  on  the  gravid  uterus. 

Still  the  reports  from  the  South  seemed  well 
authenticated,  that,  at  least  in  some  cases,  it  was 
abortive,  and  was  a  very  certain  emmenagogue,  and 
a  stimulant  diuretic.  It  is  only  another  example  of 
a  fact  I  have  insisted  on,  that  many  plants  possess- 
ing medicinal  properties  when  fresh,  lose  them  when 


GYMNOCLADUS    CANADENSIS.  133 

dried,  and  especially  when  gathered  at  the  wrong 
season  and  kept  in  stock. 

If  some  of  our  manufacturers  will  get  the  bark 
of  the  cotton-root  before  the  boll  opens,  and  will 
prepare  a  tincture  from  it  whilst  fresh,  we  will 
probably  find  it  possessing  marked  medicinal  prop- 
erties. 

GUAIACUM    OFFICINALE. 

We  prepare  a  tincture  by  percolation  from  the 
wood,  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose,  from  ten  to  thirty  drops. 

The  tincture  thus  prepared  may  be  occasionally 
used  with  advantage  in  the  latter  stages  of  acute, 
and  in  chronic  rheumatism.  It  may  also  be  asso- 
ciated with  the  vegetable  alteratives  in  the  treat- 
ment of  some  chronic  diseases,  where  stimulation 
of  the  skin  is  required.  Occasionally  it  will  prove 
useful  in  functional  diseases  of  the  uterine  organs, 
especially  in  amenorrhea. 

GYMNOCLADUS  CANADENSIS. 

(American  Coffee  Tree.) 

This  agent  has  been  but  little  used  in  medicine, 
yet  if  we  are  to  judge  from  its  common  use  as  afly 
poison ,  it  possesses  active  properties  that  may  be 
made  available.  For  experiment,  a  tincture  may  be 
made  of  the  bark,  beans,  or  pulp  of  the  seed-pod ; 
the  last  being  regarded  as  the  most  active. 

Dr.  Herring  concluded  from  his  experiments  that 
it  might  be  given  with  benefit  in  cases  of  "cough 


134  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

accompanied  or  followed  by  tonsilitis ;  in  erysipelas 
of  the  face ;  in  scarlet  fever ;  in  so-called  hives ;  in 
typhoid  fever ;  remittent  or  intermittent  epidemic 
fever,  with  a  typhoid  character,  etc." 

The  dose  would  be  small.  Of  a  tincture  of  §iv. 
of  the  pulp  to  the  Oj. ;  gtts.  x.  to  Water,  §iv. ;  a 
teaspoonful  every  three  hours  would  be  sufficient. 

HAMAMELIS  VIRGINICA. 
(Witch-Hazel.) 

I  prefer  a  distilled  extract  of  the  fresh  leaves  to 
any  other  preparation.  That  known  to  the  trade 
as  "  Pond's  Extract "  is  employed  by  most  physi- 
cians who  make  use  of  the  remedy.  The  ordinary 
fluid  extract  may  be  used  as  a  topical  application, 
as  a  gargle  for  the  throat,  and  for  the  general  pur- 
poses of  an  astringent. 

Where  the  Witch  Hazel  can  be  readily  obtained, 
I  would  advise  that  the  leaves  be  gathered  in  June 
or  July,  and  if  no  apparatus  for  distilling  is  at  hand, 
that  they  be  packed  in  a  percolator,  and  a  tincture 
prepared  with  a  very  weak  spirit,  say  30°. 

I  might  say  in  this  connection,  that  when  I  specify 
the  strength  of  Alcohol  by  degrees,  I  have  no  refer- 
ence to  an  imaginary  standard  of  proof,  but  the 
figures  represent  the  number  of  parts  in  one  hundred. 

The  Hamamelis  has  a  specific  action  upon  the 
venous  system,  giving  strength  to  it,  and  facilitating 
the  passage  of  venous  blood.  It  may,  therefore,  be 
employed  with  advantage  in  any  case  where  a  part 


HAMAMELIS    VIRGINICA.  135 

is  enfeebled,  and  there  is  a  sluggish  circulation. 
Thus  we  use  it  in  cases  of  catarrh  and  ozcena ; 
chronic  pharyngitis,  disease  of  the  tonsils,  pillars 
of  the  fauces,  vellum  and  uvula,  and  in  chronic 
laryngitis.  The  indications  for  its  employment  are, 
thickening  of  mucous  membranes,  with  enfeebled 
circulation,  and  increased  secretion,  either  mucous 
or  muco-purulent. 

It  is  especially  a  valuable  remedy  in  the  treatment 
of  hemorrhoids,  sometimes  effecting  a  cure  in  old 
and  very  stubborn  cases  without  the  use  of  other 
remedies.  Usually,  however,  I  use  the  solution  of 
the  Persulphate  of  Iron  as  a  local  application. 

It  is  also  a  very  useful  remedy  in  the  treatment 
of  diseases  of  the  uterus  and  vagina.  Given,  a  case 
with  the  conditions  named,  thickening,  with  relaxa- 
tion, enfeebled  circulation,  and  increased  mucous, 
or  muco-purulent  secretion,  and  its  action  is  very 
positive. 

We  employ  it  also  in  the  treatment  of  various 
lesions  of  the  lower  extremities,  both  as  a  local  ap- 
plication and  an  internal  remedy,  and  many  times 
with  excellent  results. 

It  is  an  excellent  dressing  for  erysipelas,  and  for 
burns,  giving  that  slight  stimulation  that  seems  to 
be  required  in  these  cases. 

I  need  not  name  other  cases,  as  the  indications 
for  its  use  first  given,  will  suggest  its  application. 
I  value  the  remedy  very  highly,  and  feel  confident 
that  a  trial  in  the  cases  named  will  bring  it  into 
general  use. 


136  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

HEDEOMA  PULEGIOIDES. 

(Pennyroyal.) 

This  is  a  much  neglected  article,  probably  be- 
cause it  is  so  common.  I  regard  it  as  one  of  the 
most  valuable  stimulant  diaphoretics;  very  kindly 
received  by  the  stomach,  and  quite  certain  in  its 
action.  As  a  remedy  for  colds  it  wijl  prove  very 
useful.  To  two  ounces  of  the  tincture  add  gtts.  x. 
of  Tincture  of  Veratrum,  or  oss.  of  Tincture  of 
Ipecac,  and  give  it  in  teaspoonful  doses  every  oue 
01  two  hours. 

It  is  an  admirable  remedy  for  amenorrhcea  from 
cold  ;  the  safest  and  most  certain  we  have,  I  think. 
It  may  be  given  in  doses  of  a  teaspoonful  every 
hour  or  two  hours,  or  two  or  three  times  in  the 
evening,  with  the  hot  foot  bath. 

Prepare  your  own  tincture  in  this  way  :  In  July, 
gather  a  sufficient  quantity  of  the  herb,  stem  it,  and 
at  once  pack  the  leaves  in  a  percolator.  Then  add 
dilute  Alcohol,  or  even  common  whisky,  in  the  pro- 
portion of  Oj.  to  each  Sviij.  Let  it  stand  twenty- 
four  hours,  and  then  draw  off,  putting  on  water 
until  the  tincture  measures  Oj.  to  each  5viij. 

HELIANTHEMUM  CANADENSE. 

(Rock  Rose.) 

Preparation. — We  prepare  a  tincture  from  the 
plant,  5viij.  to  Oj.  with  Alcohol  of  30°.  Or  we  may 
prepare  a  decoction,  using  pressure,  and  add  suffi- 
cient Alcohol  to  preserve  it.     Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 


HELONIAS    DIOICA.  137 

It  is  a  valuable  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  scro- 
fula and  secondary  syphilis  ;  exerting  a  direct  influ- 
ence upon  the  processes  of  waste  and  excretion.  It 
is  to  be  preferred  to  some  alteratives,  because  it  also 
facilitates  digestion  and  blood-making.  Will  some 
of  our  practitioners  test  it  thoroughly  and  report  ? 

HELLEBORUS   NIGER. 
(Black  Hellebore.) 

Preparation. — A  tincture  is  prepared  in  the  usual 
way,  using  Alcohol  of  76°.     Dose  gtts.  ss.  to  gtts.  x. 

The  black  Hellebore  is  but  little  used,  as  in  the 
dose  recommended  in  the  books  it  is  an  irritant 
poison.  In  small  doses  it  is  a  stimulant  to  the  spinal 
and  sympathetic  nervous  systems,  and  it  is  probable 
that  for  this  purpose  it  may  be  employed  advan- 
tageously. I  have  used  it  with  advantage  in  ster- 
ility of  the  female,  and  to  increase  virility  in  the 
male. 

HELONIAS  DIOICA. 
(Unicorn  Root. 

True  Helonias  undoubtedly  exerts  a  marked  in- 
fluence upon  the  reproductive  organs  of  the  female, 
but  as  it  is  so  frequently  supplied  from  the  Aletris, 
but  little  dependence  can  be  placed  upon  it. 

It  exerts  the  general  influence  of  a  tonic,  and  a 
special  tonic  action  upon  the  uterine  and  urinary 
organs.  It  is  possible  that  if  we  can  obtain  a  reli- 
able preparation,  it  will  be  found  superior  to  other 
remedies  for  these  purposes.  One  of  the  special  in- 
12 


138  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

dications  for  its  use  is  in  the  mental  depression  and 
irritability  that  attends  many  of  these  affections.  I 
am  of  the  impression  that,  in  many  cases,  the  relief 
of  this  cerebral  disturbance  is  its  most  important 
action. 

HEPATICA  AMERICANA. 
(Liverleaf). 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  ,the  fresh 
leaves,  using  proof  spirit.     Dose  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

The  Hepatica  exerts  a  slightly  stimulant  and 
tonic  influence  upon  the  stomach  and  small  intes- 
tines, relieving  irritation  and  promoting  functional 
activity.  Thus  it  may  be  employed  in  atonic  condi- 
tions of  these  and  associate  viscera  with  advantage. 
Culpepper  wrote,  "  It  is  a  singular  good  herb  for 
all  diseases  of  the  liver,  both  to  cool  and  cleanse  it, 
and  is  serviceable  in  yellow  jaundice.  It  is  a  sin- 
gular remedy  to  stay  the  spreading  of  tetters,  ring- 
worms, and  other  fretting  and  mmnu*g  sores." 

It  exerts  an  influence  upon  all  mucous  surfaces. 

Probably   its   best   action   is   upon    the    bronchial 

mucous  membrane,  when  enfeebled  from  irritation 

or  inflammation,  attended  with  profuse  secretion. 

In  these  cases  it  may  sometimes  be  given  with  great 

benefit. 

HERACLEUM  LANATUM. 

(Masterwort.) 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used,  but  it  might 
repay  careful  study.  It  has  been  employed  as  an 
antispasmodic,  and  we  would  judge  that  it  was  a 


HYDRASTIS    CANADENSIS.  *      139 

spinal  stimulant.     For  experiment  a  tincture  should 
be  prepared  from  the  green  root. 

The  Wild  Parsnip  (Pastinaca  Sativa)  might  also 
be  tested.  In  poisonous  doses,  it  produces  great  ex- 
citation of  the  nervous  system,  sometimes  with  con- 
vulsions, followed  by  coma  and  difficult  .respiration. 
This  would  suggest  its  use  as  a  cerebro-spinal  stim- 
ulant.    Of  course  it  would  be  used  in  small  doses. 

HYDRANGEA  ARBGRESCENS. 

(Seven  Barks.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
or  recently  dried  root,  §viij.  to  the  Oj.,  using  Alco- 
hol of  76°.     Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  5ss. 

This  is  a  valuable  remedy  in  diseases  of  the  uri- 
nary apparatus.  It  gives  tone  to  the  kidneys,  im- 
proving their  functional  activity,  and  thus  tends  to 
arrest  the  formation  of  urinary  deposits  and  calculi. 
We  do  not  believe,  as  Dr.  J.  W.  Butler  stated,  that 
it  will  cure  stone  in  the  bladder,  though  it  may 
prove  prophylactic.  It  relieves  irritation  of  the 
bladder  and  urethra,  and  hence  proves  serviceable 
in  cases  of  gravel.  It  also  exerts  an  influence  upon 
the  respiratory  mucous  tract,  relieving  bronchial 
irritation. 

HYDRASTIS  CANADENSIS. 

Golden  Seal.) 

I  will  give  the  Hydrastis  a  brief  notice,  as  it  is  in 
such  general  use  for  all  the  purposes  of  a  tonic,  that 
niv  readers  know  as  much  about  it  as  I  do.     It  im- 


140  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

proves  the  appetite  and  facilitates  digestion ;   but 
beyond  this  it  relieves  gastro-intestinal  irritation. 

Its  topical  action,  wherever  applied,  is  'that  of  a 
tonic,  strengthening  the  circulation  and  nutrition. 
It  is  in  common  use  for  these  purposes  in  diseases 
of  the  skin,  diseases  of  the  eyes,  and  diseases  of 
mucous  surfaces. 

As  a  stomachic  and  tonic,  I  like  the  action  of  the 
finely  powdered  root,  as  well  as  the  more  costly 
preparations.  Indeed,  in  most  cases,  I  would  prefer 
this,  in  equal  quantity,  to  the  Hydrastine. 

A  tincture  made  with  Alcohol  of  30°  will  be 
found  a  good  preparation.  It  is  more  convenient 
for  carrying,  and  added  to  water,  gives  a  pleasant 
stomachic.  A  very  good  prescription  would  be  : 
ly  Tincture  of  Hydrastis,  5ij«;  Tincture  of  Nux 
Vomica,  gtts.  xx. ;  Water,  §iv.  A  teaspoonful  every 
three  or  four  hours. 

The  Sulphate  of  Hydrastia  is  (when  properly  made) 
soluble  in  water  in  the  proportion  of  four  grains  to 
the  ounce.  It  makes  a  valuable  collyrium  in  chronic 
conjunctivitis,  or  the  latter  stages  of  the  acute.  It 
is  also  an  admirable  injection  in  the  second  stages 
of  gonorrhoea,  and  in  gleet. 

HYOSCYAMUS  NIGER. 
(Henbane.) 

Preparation. — We  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  re- 
cent dried  leaves  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alco- 
hol 76°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  ss.  to  gtts.  v. 


HYOSCYAMUS   NIGER.  141 

In  medicinal  doses,  the  Hyoscyamus  is  a  stimulant 
to  the  cerebrospinal  centers,  and  may  be  employed 
whenever  such  action  is  desirable.  It  is  from  this 
that  it  has  its  sleep-producing  properties,  as  well  as 
the  relief  of  pain.  With  some  persons  the  tolerance 
for  Hyosciamus  is  very  great,  and  even  drachm 
doses  exert  this  stimulant  influence. 

It  exerts  a  similar  influence  upon  the  vegetative 
system,  in  a  slight  degree  favoring  every  process 
that  is  performed  under  its  influence.  It  is  not  only 
stimulant,  but  it  allays  irritation.  Thus,  in  some 
cases,  when  a  frequent  pulse  is  dependent  upon  irri- 
tation and  debility  of  the  cardiac  nerves,  it  exerts 
the  influence  of  the  special  sedatives.  It  never 
arrests  secretion,  but,  as  before  remarked,  it  favors 
it.  Thus  small  doses  of  Podophyllin,  combined 
with  Hyoscyamus,  is  not  only  less  irritant,  but  more 
effectual.  So  we  find  in  irritable  states  of  the 
digestive  apparatus,  the  addition  of  a  small  portion 
of  Hyoscyamus  to  the  bitter  tonics  improves  their 
action. 

Because  Hyoscyamus  is  poisonous,  it  is  no  reason 
why  it  should  be  an  active  remedy.  Poisoning  and 
curing  are  too  different  things.  Whilst  it  will  be 
found  a  valuable  curative  agent,  and  quite  direct  in 
its  action,  its  influence  is  rather  feeble  than  other- 
wise, and  too  much  must  not  be  expected  from  it. 


142  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

INULA  HELENIUM. 

(Elecampane.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  iu  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj. 

Elecampane  is  a  feeble  stimulant  and  tonic,  but 
may  sometimes  be  used  for  these  properties  with 
advantage.  It  not  only  exerts  this  influence  upon 
the  digestive  tract,  but  also  upon  the  skin,  and  is 
sometimes  beneficial  in  chronic  cutaneous  diseases. 

Its  principal  use,  however,  is  in  bronchial  disease, 
with  increased  secretion.  It  may  be  used  also  in 
combination  with  Stillingia.  Its  action  is  slow,  and 
it  needs  to  be  continued  for  some  time  to  experience 
its  benefits. 

IODINE. 

Iodine,  in  all  its  forms,  increases  retrograde  meta- 
morphosis, and,  in  some  degree,  stimulates  excre- 
tion. We  have  no  reason  to  believe  that  it  stimu- 
lates blood-making  or  nutrition,  other  than  as  it 
facilitates  the  removal  of  worn-olU  tissues. 

In  quite  small  doses  Iodine  stimulates  the  sexual 
organs,  and  increases  their  power.  For  this  pur- 
pose we  may  use  it  in  the  proportion  of :  fy  Tinc- 
ture of  Iodine,  gtts.  xx. ;  Simple  Syrup,  §iv. ;  a 
teaspoonful  four  times  a  day. 

Iodide*  of  Potassium  is  doubtless  its  most  active 
form  as  a  resolvent*and  a  stimulant  of  waste.  There 
is  great  difference  of  opinion  with  regard  to  the 
proper  dose ;  some  think  it  best  in  doses  of  one  to 


IODINE.  148 

five  grains ;  others  in  doses  of  grs.  xx.  to  xl.  three 
or  four  times  a  day.  Of  course  our  choice  of  dose 
will  depend  upon  the  strength  of  the  patient,  the 
character  of  the  disease,  and  the  rapidity  of  action 
desired.     As  a  remedy,  it  is  greatly  over-estimated. 

The  Iodide  of  Sodium  has  been  but  little  used  and 
is  obtained  with  difficulty  in  the  market.  I  believe 
that  it  is  a  better  preparation  than  Iodide  of  Potas- 
sium, especially  where  there  is  asthenia  and  a  feeble 
circulation.  The  Iodide  of"  Sodium  may  be  em- 
ployed with  especial  advantage  in  those  cases  that 
present  a  pallid  tongue  and  mucous  membranes. 

The  Iodide  of  Ammonium  should  be  selected  when 
stimulation  of  the  nervous  system  is  desirable. 
Like  the  others,  it  increases  waste,  but  it  also  im- 
proves nutrition,  and  does  not  impair  digestion. 
In  secondary  syphilis  of  an  asthenic  type,  with  ner- 
vous symptoms,  this  salt  will  be  found  an  impor- 
tant remedy. 

I  would  call  especial  attention  to  its  action  in 
certain  forms  of  chronic  headache,  depending  upon 
an  enfeebled  circulation  and  mal-nutrition.  In 
some  of  these  cases  it  gives  prompt  relief,  and  effects 
a  permanent  cure. 

We  prepare  an  Iodide  of  Ammonium  for  local 
use  as  follows :  1^  Tincture  of  Iodine  (strong), 
Aqua  Ammonia  (strong),  aa.,  put  in  a  bottle  and 
allow  it  to  stand  until  colorless.  Its  influence  is 
much  better  than  the  Tincture  of  Iodine  alone  ;  it 
is  less  irritant  and  does  not  discolor  the  skin.  It  is 
a  favorite  preparation  with  me  in  the  treatment  of 


144  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

boils,  local  inflammations,  buboes,  etc.,  in  the  early 
stage,  when  we  may  expect  resolution. 

Iodide  of  Starch  is  an  excellent  preparation,  afford 
ing  the  best  means  of  giving  Iodine  without  gastric 
irritation.  It  may  be  readily  prepared  in  the  office 
as  follows  :  Triturate  twenty-four  grains  of  Iodine 
with  a  little  water  in  a  mortar,  adding  gradually  an 
ounce  of  finely  powdered  starch,  continuing  the 
trituration  until  it  assumes  a  uniform  blue  color. 
It  is  then  dried  with  gentle  heat,  and  kept  in  a  well 
stopped  Bottle.  The  dose  will  vary  from  five  grains 
to  a  teaspoonful,  given  in  gruel. 

IPECACUANHA. 

(Ipecac.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  root  (a 
good  article)  §viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from 
the  fraction  of  a  drop  to  gtts.  v. 

Ipecacuanha  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon 
mucous  membranes,  relieving  irritation,  and  arrest- 
ing the  inflammatory  process.  It  also  stimulates 
a  better  circulation  and  innervation,  increases  nutri- 
tion, and  thus  favors  functional  activity. 

We  employ  it  as  a  specific  in  most  cases  of  cholera 
infantum.  It  allays  irritation  of  the  stomach,  grad- 
ually checks  the  frequency  of  the  discharges  from 
the  bowels,  and  restores  tone  and  functional  activity. 
In  a  large  experience  in  the  treatment  of  this  dis- 
ease, we  have  found  nothiug  to  equal  it.  It  is  usu- 
ally prescribed   in    the   following   proportions  :    I$j 


IPOM^A   JALAPA.  145 

Tincture  of  Ipecac,  gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  xxx. ;  Water, 
'3iv.     A  teaspoonful  every  hour. 

We  employ  it  with  very  marked  advantage  in  the 
treatment  of  infantile  pneumonia,  associated  with 
Aconite  and  Veratrum.  In  some  cases,  the  pre- 
scription of  Ipecac  alone  will  be  sufficient  to  arrest 
the  disease  in  two  or  three  days,  especially  if  given 
in  the  first  stages.  It  is  also  employed  with  excel- 
lent results  in  diseases  of  the  respiratory  apparatus 
of  the  adult. 

We  prescribe  it  in  all  cases  of  mueo-enteritis. 
If  there  is  little  constitutional  disturbance,  Ipecac 
is  used  aloue ;  if  there  is  some  hardness  and  in- 
creased frequency  of  the  pulse,  it  is  given  in  combi- 
nation with  Aconite. 

We  employ  it  in  Dysentery,  especially  in  the 
sporadic  form  from  cold.  The  simple  prescription 
of  Ipecac  is  frequently  successful,  but  with  much 
febrile  action  it  is  associated  with  a  sedative. 

In  small  doses  we  employ  it  as  a  stimulant  to  the 
entire  digestive  tract,  associating  it  with  the  bitter 
tonics,  or  the  restoratives.  For  this  purpose,  it  will 
prove  very  valuable,  especially  where  there  is  some 
gastro-intestinal  irritation. 

IPOM^EA  JALAPA. 

(Jalap.) 

So  far  as  I  know,  this  remedy  has  only  been  em- 
ployed as  a  cathartic.     It  would  be  well  to  test  it  in 
doses  so  small  that  no  cathartic  action  would  follow ; 
>ome  desirable  property  might  be  developed. 
13 


146  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

IRIS  VERSICOLOR. 
(Blue  Flag) 

We  find  the  Iris  described  in  our  Dispensatory  as 
"  among  the  most  valuable  of  our  medicinal  plants," 
"  termed  the  mercury  of  Eclectic  practice,"  and  yet 
I  am  safe  in  saying  that  there  has  not  been  a  good 
article  in  the  market  for  a  dozen  years.  The  dried 
root  of  the  drug  trade  possesses  no  more  medicinal 
property  than  sawdust,  and  preparations  from  it, 
whether  in  the  form  of  fluid  extract  or  Irisin,  are 
an  imposition. 

We  would  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh  root, 
using  Alcohol  of  76°.  There  are  two  varieties  of 
it,  and  that  should  be  selected  which  presents  a 
bluish  mottled  color  on  incision. 

When  prepared  as  above,  the  Iris  is  one  of  our 
best  remedies.  It  is  directly  stimulant  to  waste  and 
excretion,  and  also  influences  the  lymphatic  system. 
It  may,  therefore,  be  employed  in  all  diseases  in 
which  there  is  bad  blood,  and  imperfect  nutrition. 
I  regard  it  as  one  of  our  most  certain  remedies  in 
the  treatment  of  secondary  syphilis. 

It  exerts  a  specific  influence  in  cases  of  enlarge- 
ment of  the  thyroid  gland,  and  has  effected  cures 
in  very  severe  cases.  Here,  as  in  other  cases,  we 
employ  it  uncombined,  giving  it  internally,  and 
using  it  as  a  local  application.  The  dose  of  the 
tincture  of  Iris  will  vary  from  five  drops  to  5j. 


JUGLANS    CTNEREA.  147 

JEFFERSONIA   DIPHYLLA. 

(TwiNLEAF.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to 
gtts.  xx. 

The  JefYersonia  is  a  stimulant  to  mucous  mem- 
branes, increasing  their  circulation,  and  checking 
profuse  secretion.  It  may  be  employed  in  any  case 
where  these  influences  are  desirable,  and  will  give 
satisfaction.  It  exerts  a  feebly  stimulant  influence 
upon  the  skin,  sufficient,  however,  to  make  it  useful 
in  chronic  skin  diseases.  It  is  also  claimed  to  be 
diuretic  and  anti-rheumatic.  The  remedy  requires 
study,  and  may  develop  valuable  properties. 

JUGLANS  CINEEEA. 
(Butternut.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
inner  bark,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.  Dose  from  a  fraction  of  a  drop  to  five 
drops. 

In  minute  doses,  the  Juglans  exerts  a  marked  in- 
fluence upon  the  skin,  and  may  be  employed  in 
either  acute  or  chronic  skin  disease.  Its  influence 
in  this  direction  requires  study. 

It  also  allays  irritation  of  mucous  membranes, 
and  promotes  their  normal  function.  In  some  cases 
of  intestinal  dyspepsia,  it  will  be  found  to  give 
much  better  results  than  the  bitter  tonics. 


148  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

A  valuable  laxative  may  be  formed  by  making  a 
watery  extract  of  the  Juglans,  adding  some  aromatic 
to  render  it  pleasant.  I  have  a  distinct  recollection 
of  the  use  of  Butternut  extract  in  the  olden  time 
to  cure  ague.  It  was  given  in  large  doses,  and  the 
catharsis  would  last  for  days,  its  influence  being  so 
constant  and  powerful  that  the  patient  would  not 
have  inclination  or  time  to  shake.  In  small  doses, 
it  leaves  the  bowels  in  a  soluble  condition,  and  is 
one  of  the  few  cathartics  that  may  be  employed  to 
overcome  obstinate  constipation. 

JUNIPERUS  SABINA. 

(Savin.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  Savin, 
in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose 
from  gtt.  j .  to  gtts.  v. 

Thus  prepared,  the  Savin  is  a  stimulant.  It  may 
be  employed  in  menorrhagia,  and  in  atonic  leucor- 
rhcea,  with  advantage.  It  may  also  be  used  as  a 
stimulant  in  vesical  catarrh,  and  in  diseases  of  the 
urethra.  In  some  cases  of  amenorrhoea  it  may  be 
employed  as  a  stimulant,  but  never  in  those  cases 
presenting  excitement  of  the  circulation. 

KALMIA  LATIFOLIA. 

(Sheep  Laurel.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
leaves,  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose  from  a  fraction  of  a  drop  to  five  drops. 


LAURUS    SASSAFRAS.  149 

This  is  a  favorite  remedy  of  Prof.  King,  and  he 
describes  its  use -as  follows:  "It  is  an  efficient 
remedy  in  primary  or  secondary  syphilis,  and  will 
likewise  be  found  invaluable  in  febrile  and  inflam- 
matory diseases,  and  hypertrophy  of  the  heart, 
allaying  all  febrile  and  inflammatory  action,  and  les- 
sening the  action  of  the  heart.  In  active  hemor- 
rhages, diarrhoea,  and  dysentery,  it  has  been  em- 
ployed with  excellent  effect.  I  have  extensively 
used  this  agent,  and  regard  it  as  one  of  the  most 
efficient  agents  in  syphilis ;  and  have,  likewise, 
found  it  very  valuable  in  inflammatory  fevers,  jaun- 
dice, and  ophthalmia,  neuralgia  and  inflammation." 

I  have  employed  it  in  secondary  syphilis  and 
atonic  chronic  inflammations  with  marked  advan- 
tage, but  have  not  used  it  for  other  purposes.  Will 
some  of  our  readers  test  it  in  the  treatment  of 
fever  and  inflammation  to  determine  its  analogy  to 
the  sedatives  ? 

LAURUS   SASSAFRAS. 
(Sassafras.) 

A  very  good  preparation  of  the  Sassafras  for 
office  use,  is  a  tincture  of  the  bark  of  the  root  by 
percolation,  using  dilute  alcohol  or  whisky.  It 
forms  a  pleasant  vehicle  for  many  remedies,  when 
we  desire  the  gently  stimulant  and  astringent  action 
of  the  remedy.  Tincture  of  Podophyllum  added 
to  it,  in  the  proportion  of  5ij.  to  §iv.,  in  teaspoonful 
doses  four  times  a  day,  forms  an  admirable  altera- 
tive. 


150  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

In  the  treatment  of  secondary  syphilis,  especially 
when  manifesting  itself  in  disease  of  the  skin,  the 
infusion  will  be  found  preferable.  In  this  case  I 
would  direct  an  infusion  of  Sassafras  with  a  small 
portion  of  Podophyllum,  §ss.  of  the  first,  grs.  x.  of 
the  second,  to  the  pint  of  water,  three  times  a  day. 
It  may  be  associated  with  the  vapor  bath,  spirit- 
vapor  bath,  or  sulphur  bath  in  stubborn  cases. 

LARIX  AMERICANA. 

The  American  Larch  deserves  study,  not  in  com- 
bination, as  it  has  been  employed,  but  singly,  to  de- 
termine its  real  medicinal  value.  For  this  purpose  a 
tincture  may  be  prepared  from  the  recent  bark,  in 
the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol,  30°  Oj.  It  has 
been  employed  in  combination  for  a  large  number 
of  diseases,  but  its  influence  upon  mucous  mem- 
branes and  upon  the  skin,  is  probably  most  definite. 

LAVANDULA  VERA. 
(Lavender.) 

Lavender  is  the  child's  stimulant,  and  nothing,  so 
far  as  I  am  aware,  exercises  so  kindly  an  influence 
upon  the  digestive  apparatus  and  the  nervous  sys- 
tem. A  tincture  may  be  formed  of  Oil  of  Lavender, 
gij.;  Dilute  Alcohol,  Oj.  But  the  Compound  Spirit 
will  probably  answer  the  needs  of  most  physicians. 
I  would  like  to  test  a  tincture  of  the  fresh  herb,  and 
if  any  of  our  readers  are  so  located  as  to  grow  it, 


LEPTANDRA   VIRGINICA.  151 

and  prepare  such  tincture,  we  will  be  obliged  if  they 
will  report. 

LEONURUS  CARDIACA. 

(Motherwort.) 

Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh  root,  with  dilute 
Alcohol  in  the  usual  proportions.  The  line  of  ex- 
periment will  be  to  determine  its  influence  upon 
the  reproductive  organs,  and  upon  the  nervous  sys- 
tem.    The  dose  may  vary  from  five  drops  to  5j. 

LEPTANDRA  VIRGINICA. 

(Black  Root.) 

For  general  use  prepare  a  tincture  of  the  Leptan- 
dra,  oviij.  to  Oj.,  using  Alcohol  of  50°.  For  some 
purposes  the  infusion  would  be  preferable,  but  is  so 
nauseous  that  most  persons  object  to  it.  The  dose 
of  the  tincture  as  above  will  vary  from  gtts.  ij.  to 
gtts.  xx. 

The  Leptandra  exerts  a  gentle  stimulant  influence 
upon  the  entire  intestinal  tract,  and  its  associate 
viscera,  and  in  medicinal  doses  strengthens  func- 
tional activity.  Its  action  in  this  direction  is  so  per- 
sistent that  it  might  be  called  a  gastro-intestinal 
tonic.  There  are  some  functions  not  well  under- 
stood, as  or  the  liver  and  spleen,  and  it  would  not 
much  improve  our  knowledge  to  say  that  it  acted 
upon  these.  But  it  exerts  a  marked  influence  in 
those  diseases  in  which  there  is  enfeebled  portal 
circulation,  and  tendency  to  stasis  of  blood.     Thus 


152  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

in'some  cases  of  typhoid  fever  occurring  in  mala- 
rial localities  the  Leptandra  has  proven  a  very  valu- 
able medicine. 

We  do  not  believe  there  is  any  remedy  that  acts 
upon  the  liver,  according  to  the  old  idea  of  medicine. 
It  has  been  conclusively  proven  that  preparations 
of  Mercury  do  not,  and  that  Podophyllin  does  not ; 
and  it  is  probable  that  we  will  have  to  give  up  the 
idea  of  cholagogues  entirely.  There  is  no  doubt  in 
my  mind,  however,  that  Leptandra  does  influence 
the  function  of  the  liver ;  not  always  to  increase 
secretion  of  bile,  but  rather  to  bring  the  organ  back 
to  normal  functional  activity,  whatever  may  have 
been  the  deviation. 

Associated  with  the  milder  bitter  tonics  the  Lep- 
tandra improves  the  digestive  function,  and  stimu- 
lates normal  excretory  action  from  the  bowels. 
This  latter  influence  sometimes  makes  it  a  valuable 
adjunct  to  those  remedies  called  alterative. 

It  has  been  employed  in  the  treatment  of  inter- 
mittent fever  with  excellent  results.  Dr.  Rolph 
writes,  that  "for  many  years  my  father's  family 
employed  it  exclusively,  and  though  living  in  a 
malarial  region  they  were  entirely  exempt  from 
ague.  They  used  a  tincture  of  the  recent  root,  tak- 
ing it  before  each  meal."  Quite  a  number  of  my 
acquaintances  employ  it  after  the  chill  has  been 
broken  with  Quinine,  and  claim  that  its  influence  in 
preventing  a  recurrence  is  more  decided  than  any 
other  remedy. 


LIQUIDAMBAR   STYRACIFLUA.  153 

LEPTANDRIN. 

The  best  Leptandrin  of  the  market  is  a  dried  alco- 
holic extract,  the  strongest  is  obtained  by  adding  a 
portion  of  Podophyllum  before  tincturing.  The 
resin  is  nearly  worthless.  The  dried  extract  proves 
a  very  good  remedy  in  many  cases,  and  may  be  used 
for  the  same  purposes  as  named  for  the  tincture  or 
infusion. 

LIATRIS   SPICATA. 

(Button  Snakeroot.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
root,  5viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  v. 
to  5ss. 

The  Liatris  is  gently  tonic,  and  stimulates  secre- 
tion from  all  the  emunctories.  Hence  it  has  been 
added  to  various  alterative  combinations,  and  with 
some  practitioners  is  very  highly  esteemed.  It  acts 
more  directly  upon  the  urinary  apparatus,  and  prob- 
ably upon  the  reproductive  apparatus  of  both  male 
and  female. 

LIQUIDAMBAR  STYRACIFLUA. 

(Sweet  Gum.) 

Some  years  since  we  had  sweet  gum,  the  exudation 
from  this  tree,  recommended  for  the  cure  of  asthma, 
and  a  number  of  cases  from  the  South  were  given 
as  proof.  But  experiments  in  the  Northern  States 
were  not  favorable.  I  judge,  however,  from  some 
reports  of  Southern  physicians,  that  the  recent  bark 


154  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

contains  valuable  medicinal  properties,  as  does  the 
fresh  exudation.  For  experiment  I  would  suggest 
the  preparation  of  a  tincture  from  the  fresh  bark, 
using  Alcohol  of  76°.  Its  influence  is  probably 
most  marked  on  mucous  membranes,  and  probably 
it  influences  innervation  from  the  pneumogastric 
and  from  the  spinal  cord. 

LIKIODENDRON  TULIPIFE-KA. 

(Yellow  Poplar.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root  bark  of  the  Yellow  Poplar,  using  dilute  Alcohol. 
Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5j- 

The  great  abundance  and  wide  distribution  of 
these  trees,  and  the  ease  with  which  it  may  be  ob- 
tained and  prepared,  and  the  really  valuable  char- 
acter of  the  remedy,  should  bring  it  into  general 
use.  It  is  stimulant  and  tonic  to  the  digestive  ap- 
paratus, improving  digestion  and  blood  making. 
It  also  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  nervous  system, 
strengthening  innervation  and  relieving  those  symp- 
toms called  nervous. 

LOBELIA  INFLATA. 

(Lobelia.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  ground 
seed,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj.  Dose,  from  the  frac- 
tion of  a  drop  to  ten  drops. 

The  common  use  of  Lobelia  as  an  emetic  is  so 
well  known  that  little   need  be  said  about  it.     In 


LOBELIA   INFLATA.  155 

the  form  of  trie  Compound  Powder  of  Lobelia,  or 
the  Acetous  Emetic  Tincture  of  the  Dispensatory, 
it  gives  us  our  most  valued  emetic  when  properly 
used.  To  obtain  the  curative  effects  of  a  lobelia 
emetic,  the  remedy  should  be  given  in  small  quanti- 
tities  frequently  repeated,  as  it  can  be  absorbed 
from  the  stomach,  so  that  emesis  when  it  does  occur 
shall  be  from  the  general  influence  of  the  remedy 
iu  the  blood,  and  not  from  its  local  irritant  influence 
upon  the  stomach.  Many  physicians  fail  to  obtain 
the  benefit  they  have  reason  to  expect  because  of 
its  improper  administration  ;  it  is  not  absorbed,  but 
simply  irritates  the  stomach. 

Lobelia  as  prepared  above  is  one  of  the  most 
powerful  vital  stimulants  in  the  Materia  Medica. 
It  strengthens  the  circulation,  improves  innervation,' 
and  by  its  influence  upon  the  sympathetic  nervous 
system  gives  increased  activity  of  all  the  vegetative 
functions.  These  influences  come  from  minute 
doses,  one  drop  or  less.  I  usually  prescribe  it  in 
this  proportion  :  ly  Tincture  of  Lobelia,  gtts.  x.  to 
xx. ;  Water,  §iv.  A  teaspoonful  every  one  or  two 
hours. 

In  some  cases  where  there  is  necessity  for  a 
speedy  action,  as  in  cases  of  angina  pectoris  or  neu- 
ralgia of  the  heart,  I  give  one  or  two  full  doses  of 
twenty  drops. 

This  preparation  of  Lobelia  is  specific  in  difficult 
labor  from  rigid  os,  vagina,  or  perineum.  It  also 
stimulates  the  contractile  function  of  the  uterus, 
and  thus  strengthens  the  pains.     This  use  of  Lobelia 


156  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

will  be  greatly  prized  when  known.  In  tardy  or 
difficult  labor  add  5j-  of  the  tincture  to  §iv.  of  water, 
and  give  a  teaspoonful  every  fifteen  minutes  until 
slight  nausea  is  produced,  then  in  smaller  quantities. 
In  rigid  os  or  perineum,  I  frequently  employ  it  in 
the  same  way,  and  with  excellent  results,  but  in 
other  cases  give  it  in  larger  doses  until  nausea  is  in- 
duced. 

Lobelia  is  a  sedative,  occupying  a  place  between 
Veratrum  and  Aconite.  I  would  be  glad  if  ea&h 
reader  would  put  the  tincture  of  the  seed  in  his 
pocket  case  and  employ  it  in  fevers  and  inflamma- 
tions in  the  same  doses  in  which  he  uses  Veratrum. 
I  think  it  will  prove  very  valuable,  especially  where 
there  is  necessity  for  stimulation. 

LYCOPUS   VIRGINICUS. 

(Bugle  Weed.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant  gathered  in  July  and  August  at  the  time  of 
flowering,  using  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 

The  tincture  of  Lycopus  prepared  as  above,  will 
be  found  a  very  valuable  remedy,  and  will  take 
place  with  Veratrum  and  Aconite.  It  is  a  very  cer- 
tain sedative,  where  increased  frequency  of  pulse  is 
dependent  upon  want  of  power.  For  this  purpose 
we  employ  it  in  all  forms  of  chronic  disease  with 
frequent  pulse,  and  in  the  advanced  stages  of  acute 
disease  where  there  is  great  debility.  iSro  remedy  is 
more  certain  in  its  action   in  these  cases ;  and  we 


157 

will  find  that  as  the  pulse  is  reduced  in  frequency,  it 
is  increased  in  strength,  and  there  is  a  more  regular 
and  uniform  circulation  of  blood. 

The  remedy  evidently  acts  upon  the  sympathetic 
system  of  nerves,  and  we  not  only  have  an  improve- 
ment in  the  circulation,  but  every  vegetative  func- 
tion feels  its  influence.  Thus  it  improves  the  appe- 
tite and  blood-making,  nutrition  and  secretion. 

It  has  been  employed  more  extensively  in  the 
treatment  of  hemoptysis  than  in  any  other  disease. 
In  these  cases  its  action  is  slow,  but  very  certain, 
and  its  influence  seems  to  come  from  its  sedative 
action — in  this  it  resembles  Digitalis.  Employed  in 
phthisis,  we  find  it  relieving  the  cough,  checking- 
night  sweats  and  diarrhoea,  lessening  the  frequency 
of  the  pulse,  improving  the  appetite  and  giving 
better  digestion.  We  observe  the  same  influence 
from  the  protracted  use  of  Veratrum  in  these  cases, 
evidencing  the  relationship  between  the  remedies. 

Those  who  live  where  the  Bugle  weed  can  be 
gathered,  should  not  neglect  the  opportunity  of 
procuring  the  fresh  plant  and  preparing  a  tincture 
for  the  coming  year.  I  am  satisfied  that  it  will 
well  repay  the  trouble. 


MAGNESIA,  SULPHITE  OF. 

Sulphite  of  Magnesia  was  one  of  the  anti-zymotic 
remedies  recommended  by  Prof.  Polli.  We  find  in 
all  that  class  of  acute  diseases  which  develop  typhoid 


158  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

symptoms  as  they  progress,  a  need  for  remedies 
which  control  the  septic  process  in  the  blood. 
Most  physicians  will  have  employed  Sulphite  of 
Soda  in  these  cases,  and  have  found  marked  advan- 
tage from  its  use,  yet  in  other  cases,  presenting 
somewhat  similar  general  symptoms  it  has  done  no 
good,  and  in  some  has  done  harm. 

We  say  that  Sulphite  of  Soda  is  indicated  where 
the  tongue  is  broad,  pallid,  and  covered  with  a  pasty 
white  coat.  In  these  cases  it  will  rarely  disappoint 
the  practitioner. 

But  we  have  need  of  the  same  antiseptic  remedies 
in  cases  in  which  the  tongue  is  deep-red  or  dusky, 
whether  covered  with  a  brown  fur,  or  presenting 
the  smooth  glistening  appearance  noticed  in  some 
of  the  more  severe  cases  of  typhoid  fever,  or  typhoid 
disease.  Whenever  the  tongue  is  thus  dark-red, 
we  can  not  give  the  Salt  of  Soda,  for  there  is  present 
a  prominent  indication  for  the  use  of  an  acid.  We 
may  use  Sulphurous  Acid  as  the  antiseptic,  but  fre- 
quently it  is  not  well  borne  by  the  stomach. 

In  these  cases  the  Sulphite  of  Magnesia  will  be 
found  an  admirable  remedy.  We  may  say  that  it 
may  always  be  administered  when  the  tongue  is 
dark-red,  and  shows  a  dark  fur,  and  there  is  need 
for  a  remedy  to  antagonize  the  septic  process  in  the 
blood.  It  is  given  in  doses  of  grs.  x.  to  grs.  xxx., 
repeated  every  three  hours. 


MARRUBIUM    VULGARE.  159 

MAGNOLIA. 

The  Magnolia  Glauca  and  Accuminata  possess 
tonic  and  stomachic  properties,  which  may  prove 
useful  in  medicine.  Will  some  of  our  Southern 
readers  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent  bark,  and 
test  it  thoroughly.  It  may  not  prove  better  than  a 
dozen  similar  articles,  and  yet  supply  a  very  good 
medicine  to  those  who  live  where  it  is  abundant. 

MARRUBIUM  VULGARE. 

(HOARHOTJND.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant  when  in  flower,  using  5viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose  from  gtts.  j.  to  gtts.  x. 

The  Hoarhound  exerts  a  marked  influence  upon 
the  respiratory  apparatus.  It  is  stimulant  to  all 
mucous  surfaces,  but  especially  to  the  laryngeal  and 
bronchial,  and  it  may  be  employed  for  this  purpose. 
But  it  evidently  has  an  action  beyond  this,  and  in- 
fluences the  function  of  respiration.  Any  one  who 
has  employed  it  will  have  seen  this  very  marked  in 
some  cases.  Let  us  have  it  thoroughly  tried,  and 
it  may  be  another  instance  of  a  very  valuable  rem- 
edy, in  a  common  article. 


160  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

MARUTA  COTULA. 
(Mayweed.) 

In  testing  these  indigenous  remedies,  will  some 
one  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh  May  weed  and 
give  it  a  thorough  trial  ?  The  direction  of  the  in- 
vestigation will  be  shown  by  reference  to  the  Dis- 
pensatory or  Materia  Medica. 

MENISPERMUM  CANADENSE. 
(Yellow  Parilla.) 

The  Yellow  Parilla  has  been  considerably  em- 
ployed for  the  indefinite  purpose  of  an  alterative. 
We  have  the  testimony  of  the  Dispensatory  that : 
"  In  small  doses,  no  obvious  effects  are  produced  on 
the  general  system."  It  may  be  worth  while,  how- 
ever, to  examine  it  further,  and  it  will  offer  a  good 
subject  of  study  to  some  of  our  readers. 

For  experiment,  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  §viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Use  it  in  doses  of 
from  gtts.  v.  to  5j- 

MENTHA   VIRIDIS. 

(Spearmint.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  v. 
to  5j. 

Mentha  Viridis  is  not  only  a  stimulant,  but  is  one 
of  the  most  kindly  of  the  aromatics,  and  is  rarely 
rejected  by  the  stomach.     As  a  stimulant,  it  will 


MITCHELLA   REPENS.  161 

furnish  a  cheap  and  pleasant  vehicle  for  many  med- 
icines. 

But  it  is  more  than  this.  I  regard  it  as  one  of 
the  most  certain  of  the  vegetable  diuretics,  and  em- 
ploy it  frequently  for  this  purpose.  In  suppression 
of  urine  in  children,  a  teaspoonful  of  the  tincture 
is  added  to  two  ounces  of  water,  sweetened,  and 
given  freely.  So  certain  is  its  action  in  childhood, 
that  I  rarely  think  of  giving  anything  else,  except 
in  cases  where  there  is  great  irritation  of  the  ner- 
vous system^  and  then  Gelseminum  is  added  to  it  in 
the  usual  doses. 

MITCHELLA  REPENS. 
(Partridgeberry.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  v. 
to  5ss. 

The  Mitchella  exerts  a  direct  influence  upon  the 
reproductive  apparatus  of  the  female,  giving  tone 
and  improving  functional  activity.  It  has  been  ex- 
tensively used  as  a  uterine  tonic,  to  promote  men- 
struation, to  remove  false  pains  and  unpleasant  sen- 
sations in  the  latter  months  of  pregnancy,  and  has 
been  thought  to  be  a  good  preparative  to  labor,  ren- 
dering the  birth  of  the  child  easier,  and  less  liable 
to  accidents. 

Many  have  failed  to  obtain  these  influences  from 
the  use  of  the  common  preparation  "  Compound 
Syrup  of  Partridgeberry,"  because  it  was  prepared 
14 


162  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

from  old  materials.     If  made  from  the  green  plant, 
as  named  above,  we  think  it  will  give  satisfaction. 

ELATEMUM. 

The  common  use  of  Elaterium,  as  a  hydragogue 
cathartic  is  well  known.  I  desire  to  call  attention 
again  to  its  direct  action  as  described  by  Prof.  King 
in  the  Eclectic  Medical  Journal,  January,  1870,  page 
16.  He  claims  that  it  is  specific  for  "  Chronic  In- 
flammation of  the  Neck  of  the  Bladder."  Since 
the  article  was  published  I  have  received  reports 
from  two  physicians  as  to  its  efficiency.  He  pre- 
pared the  tincture  by  adding  one  drachm  of  Elate- 
rium to  one  pint  of  Alcohol.  Dose,  half  a  fluid 
drachm  three  times  a  day  until  it  acted  upon  the 
bowels,  then  six  or  eight  drops. 

MANATROPA   UNIFLORA. 
(Ice  Plant.) 

Will  some  of  our  subscribers  prepare  a  tincture 
from  the  Ice-plant,  and  test  it  in  the  cases  named 
in  the  Dispensatory.  We  especially  want  to  know 
its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system,  and  its  action 
as  a  sedative.  It  is  claimed  to  be  remedial  in  con- 
vulsions, epilepsy,  chorea,  etc. 
» 


MYRICA    CERIFERA.  163 

MYRICA  CERIFERA. 

(Bayberry.) 

Preparation. — We  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  re- 
cent bark,  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj. 

As  the  Bayberry  deteriorates  unless  carefully 
kept,  it  would  be  better  to  test  a  tincture  of  the 
fresh  bark  of  the  root.  The  dose  will  range  from 
gtt.  j.  to  5ss. 

I  do  not  know  that  anything  can  be  added  to 
what  is  known  of  this  agent.  It  has  been  exten- 
sively employed  as  a  general  stimulant,  and  as  a 
special  stimulant  to  mucous  membranes,  and  with 
excellent  results.  Thomson  recommended  it  in 
all  cases  where  there  was  increased  secretion  from 
mucous  membranes,  whether  it  was  catarrh  or  sore 
throat,  bronchitis,  disease  of  stomach  or  intestinal 
canal,  or  leucorrhcea. 

It  is  in  these  cases  especially  that  it  will  be  found 
of  advantage.  I  have  employed  it  in  chronic  gas- 
tritis in-  small  doses,  associated  with  minute  doses 
of  Lobelia,  with  good  success.  The  same  combina- 
tion will  prove  very  valuable  in  typhoid  fever,  in 
typhoid  dysentery,  and  in  diarrhoea  with  increased 
mucous  secretion. 

The  tincture  prepared  as  above,  will  furnish  a 
much  better  form  for  dispensing,  as  well  as  a  more 
reliable  remedy  than  much  of  the  powder  sold,  and 
when  once  used,  will  become  a  prominent  agent  in 
the  Office  and  the  pocket  case. 


164  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

MOMORDICA  BALSAMINA. 

(Balsam  Apple.) 

The  Balsam  Apple  is  an  annual  climbing  plant, 
grown  in  our  gardens  for  its  fruit,  which  is  em- 
ployed in  domestic  practice  as  a  vulnerary,  and  an 
application  to  old  sores,  chapped  hands,  piles,  etc. 
It  is  commonly  prepared  for  use  with  alcohol  or 
whisky.  It  evidently  possesses  medicinal  proper- 
ties, and  I  have  seen  good  effects  from  its  local  use. 

It  is  claimed  to  be  poisonous  when  taken  inter- 
nally, yet  I  have  known  it  taken  with  safety  in 
doses  of  ten  to  thirty  drops.  Cures  of  dropsy  are 
reported  from  its  use.  The  limited  use  I  have 
known  made  of  it  internally,  was  to  relieve  muscu- 
cular  pains,  lame  back,  and  stiffness  of  joints ;  in 
some  cases  it  seemed  to  do  good.  As  the  agent  is 
very  common,  and  easily  cultivated,  it  would  be 
well  to  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh  fruit  Sviij. 
to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.,  and  test  it  thoroughly,  both  as 
a  local  remedy,  and  used  internally.  Of  such  a 
preparation  the  dose  would  be  quite  small,  say  com- 
mencing Avith  one  drop. 

NABALUS  ALBUS. 

(Lion's  Foot). 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to 
gtts.  XX. 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  employed.  It 
was  claimed  to  be  specific  to  the  poison  of  the  rat- 


NICOTIANA    TABACUM.  165 

tlesnake,  and  to  have  been  used  Avith  much  success. 
It  influences  the  nervous  system  directly,  and  ex- 
periment may  develop  a  valuable  use  for  it.  It  is 
not  in  the  market,  and  we  will  therefore  have  to 
depend  upon  those  who  can  procure  it  green,  to  de- 
termine its  properties. 

NEPETA  CATARIA. 

(Catnip.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb  when  in  blossom,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 

Catnip  is  a  feeble  remedy,  and  yet  is  as  good  as 
many  in  general  use.  Employed  in  the  form  named 
it  will  give  satisfaction  and  well  repay  its  prepara- 
tion. It  is  a  mild  diaphoretic,  but  associated  with 
the  hot-foot  bath,  it  will  be  found  to  place  the  skin 
in  a  soft  moist  condition,  and  relieve  nervous  irrita- 
tion. It  is  especially  to  be  recommended  as  a  car- 
minative for  children.  A  teaspoonful  added  to 
four  tablespoonfuls  of  hot  water  and  sweetened, 
may  be  given  freely,  and  is  better  than  a  tea  of  the 
dried  herb. 

NICOTIANA  TABACUM. 

Dr.  Unziker,  of  this  city,  recommends  the  prepa- 
ration of  a  tincture  from  the  green  plant,  and  its 
use  as  a  sedative  and  in  the  treatment  of  diseases 
of  the  respiratory  apparatus  of  children. 

We  value  the  local  use  of  tobacco  as  a  fomenta- 
tion in  cases  of  strangulated  hernia,  in  some  acute 


166  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

local  inflammations,  and  in  pseudo-membranous 
croup  when  the  danger  is  imminent.  It  will  also 
prove  the  best  application  to  wounds  and  injuries 
where  there  are  symptoms  of  tetanus. 

In  tetanus  the  alkaloid,  Nicotine,  has  been  em- 
ployed with  marked  success,  and  it  is  probably  our 
most  certain  remedy.  It  is  given  in  doses  of  half 
to  one  drop,  or  if  not  tolerated  by  the  stomach,  it 
may  be  used  by  hypodermic  injection.  If  the  alka- 
loid can  not  be  procured,  an  infusion  may  be  used 
by  mouth,  by  injection,  or  if  not  retained  in  suffi- 
cient quantity  in  these  ways,  it  may  be  given  by 
hypodermic  injection. 

NYMPHJEA   ODORATA. 
(White  Pond  Lily.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root  of  the  White  Pond  Lily,  in  the  proportion  of 
gviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  x.  to  5j- 

My  use  of  this  remedy  has  been  but  limited, 
though  from  the  reports  of  others,  I  deem  it  to  pos- 
sess decided  medicinal  properties.  The  general 
term  alterative  will  express  the  kind  of  action  that 
may  be  obtained  from  it.  It  exerts  a  special  influ- 
ence upon  mucous  tissues,  and  has  been  employed 
with  advantage  in  diseases  of  the  bronchise,  the  gas- 
trointestinal mucous  surfaces,  the  bladder  and  the 
urethra.  This  will  suggest  the  line  of  experiment, 
and  we  hope  the  remedy  will  be  thoroughly  tested 
and  reported. 


ORIGANUM  VULGARE.  167 

OLEUM  MORRHUJ& 

(Cod  Liver  Oil.) 

We  employ  a  bland  and  slightly  odorous  Cod- 
liver  Oil  in  practice;  probably  Caswell  &  Mack's 
will  give  most  satisfaction. 

There  is  no  doubt  but  benefit  follows  its  use  in 
appropriate  cases,  and  sometimes  the  advantage  is 
much  greater  than  from  the  use  of  medicines.  The 
principal  indication  for  its  use,  is  when  an  exalted 
temperature  is  maintained  at  the  expense  of  the 
tissues.  Cod-oil  in  such  cases  saves  the  tissues,  and 
the  burning  of  histogenetic  food. 

I  employ  it  in  cases  of  tuberculosis,  scrofula,  and 
in  many  forms  of  chronic  disease,  when  the  above- 
indications  exist.  Especial  attention  is.  called  to  its 
use  in  local  disease,  with  cacoplastic  or  aplastic  de- 
posits. 

As  the  increased  temperature  is  associated  with 
increased  frequency  of  pulse,  we  commonly  associate 
it  with  Yeratrum  Viride.  As  a  general  rule  the 
stomachic  bitters  are  not  advantageous  at  the  same 
time.  Many  physicians  fail  to  obtain  advantage 
from  the  use  of  Cod-oil  because  they  give  tonics  in 
excess  at  the  same  time. 

ORIGANUM   VULGARE. 

(Origanum.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb,  using  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose,  gtts.  x. 
to5j. 


168  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

This  agent  is  a  stimulant  diaphoretic,  and  influ- 
ences the  reproductive  organs  of  the  female.  It 
has  been  used  in  the  treatment  of  colds,  and  in  sup- 
pressed menstruation  from  cold. 

OROBANCHE    VIRGINIANA. 
(Beech  Drops.) 

Beech  drops  contain  a  large  proportion  of  tannic 
and  gallic  acids,  and  may  be  used  for  the  general 
purposes  of  an  astringent.  I  do  not  know  that  there 
is  any  advantage  in  taking  a  crude  material  that  is 
scarce  and  high  priced,  when  we  can  obtain  its  med- 
ical action  from  that  which  is  common  and  cheap. 

PiEONIA  OFFICINALIS. 

Prepafhtion. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root  of  the  garden  peony,  in  the  proportion  of  sviij. 
to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose  from  drops  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used,  yet  the  evi- 
dence is  pretty  conclusive  that  it  possesses  a  marked 
influence  upon  the  nervous  system.  It  has  been  em- 
ployed as  an  antispasmodic,  and  to  relieve  irritation 
of  the  nerve  centers.  Will  some  of  our  friends 
prepare  a  tincture  in  the  summer  and  test  it  ? 

PANAX    QUINQUEFOLIUM. 

(Ginseng.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
or  recent  root,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol 
50°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  xx. 


PAPAVER   SOMNIFERUM.  169 

"We  have  laughed  at  the  Chinese  for  their  use  of 
Ginseng,  which  we  have  deemed  inert,  but  I  am 
pretty  well  satisfied  that  in  thi$  as  in  some  other 
things,  they  have  the  advantage  of  us.  A  limited 
use  of  the  article  has  given  me  a  very  favorable 
opinion  of  its  influence. 

Its  first  use,  and  a  very  important  one,  is  in  the 
treatment  of  nervous  dyspepsia.  I  have  obtained 
more  benefit  from  it  in  my  own  person,  than  from 
any  other  remedy,  and  I  have  employed  it  with 
others  with  equal  advautage.  It  exerts  a  decidedly 
beneficial  influence  in  exhaustion  of  the  brain  from 
oyer  work,  and  it  is  probable  that  its  influence  is  as 
much  in  this  direction  as  upon  the  stomach. 

It  is  one  of  those  remedies,  however,  that  pro- 
duces no  marked  improvement  at  first,  and  must  be 
continued  for  weeks  to  obtain  its  good  effects. 

PAPAVEft  SOMNIFEEUM. 

Before  describing  the  action  of  Opium,  I  want  to 
draw  the  attention  of  my  readers  to  the  importance 
of  having  it  good,  and  of  not  using  Morphia  as  a 
substitute.  Never  buy  Opium  in  powder,  and  in 
selecting  the  gum,  take  that  which  when  broken 
gives  the  characteristic  odor.  Lastly,  prepare  your 
own  tincture  of  Opium. 

Opium  in  medicinal  doses  is  a  cerebral  stimulant, 
and  we  will  find  this  its  most  important  use.  From 
this  stimulation  comes  sleep  and  rest  to  the  nervous 
system. 

15 


170  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

Ill  less  degree  it  is  a  stimulant  to  the  spinal-cord, 
and  increases  functional  activity  of  all  parts  supplied 
from  it.  • 

Opium  or  its  salts  may  be  administered  for  the 
relief  of  pain,  to  produce  sleep,  or  as  a  general 
stimulant  to  the  vegetative  processes,  when  the  fol- 
lowing conditions  are  present :  A  soft,  open  pulse, 
or  where  there  is  not  the  element  of  hardness  and 
smallness ;  a  soft  (not  dry)  skin;  a  moist  tongue; 
pallid  face ;  and  eyes  dull,  immobile  or  dilated 
pupils.  It  is  contra-indicated,  where  there  is  a  dry, 
contracted  skin  ;  small  hard  pulse ;  dry  tongue ; 
flushed  face ;  bright  eye,  with  contracted  pupils.  ^ 

There  is  no  remedy  that  has  been  so  much  or  so 
badly  used  as  this.  It  is  highly  prized  by  the  pro- 
fession, and  yet  every  physician  can  recall  cases 
where  its  administration  has  proven  injurious  rather 
than  beneficial.  It  has  gained  this  extensive  use 
because  of  the  marked  relief  it  gives  from  pain, 
and  even  though  it  fails  so  frequently,  the  successes 
are  estimated,  not  the  failures. 

I  believe  the  reader,  by  cartfully  studying  the 
above  indications  and  contra-indications,  will  be  en- 
abled to  use  the  remedy  so  as  to  obtain  its  full  pal- 
liative and  curative  action;  not  having  the. un- 
pleasantness of  failure  to  accomplish  the  desired  ob- 
ject, or  injury  to  the  patient,  to  regret. 

Hypodermic  Use  op  Morphia. — In  this  connection 

y^we   may  consider  the   advantages   to   be  obtained 

from  the  hypodermic  use  of  Morphia.     It  has  been 

^  extensivelv  employed  for  the   relief   of   pain,  and 


PAPAVER    SOMNIFERUM.  171 

many  physicians  would  hardly  practice  medicine  if 
forced  to  give  up  their  hypodermic  syringes. 

The  advantages  to  be  obtained  from  this  use  of 
Morphia  has  not  been  over-estimated.  But  every 
one  who  has  employed  it,  will  recollect  cases  of 
failure,  sometimes  of  injury,  which  were  very  mor- 
tifying.    Why  the  failure  ? 

The  indications  for  the  hypodermic  use  of  Mor- 
phia are  the  same  as  those  just  given  for  Opium, 
and  where  there  is  present  the  contra-indications, 
the  use  will  not  give  the  expected  results,  and  may 
prove  injurious.  Fortunately,  in  the  majority  of 
cases  of  neuralgia,  there  is  a  soft,  open  pulse,  the 
cool  pallid  skin,  and  the  evidence  of  an  enfeebled 
cerebro-spinal  circulation.  In  such  cases,  the  hypo- 
dermic use  of  Morphia  gives  present  relief,  and  from 
its  topical  stimulation,  may  effect  a  radical  cure. 

We  never  employ  the  hypodermic  injection  of 
Morphia  where  there  is  a  hard,  small  pulse,  dryness 
and  constriction  of  skin,  dry  tongue,  flushed  face, 
bright  eyes  and  contracted  pupils.  He  who  uses  it 
in  such  cases,  will  very  certainly  be  disappointed  in 
its  action.  In  many  cases  of  fever  and  inflamma- 
tion, though  the  patient  suffers  pain,  and  the  ordi- 
nary influence  of  Morphia  in  this  way  would  be 
very  desirable,  we  withhold  it. 


172  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

PEROXIDE  OF  HYDROGEN. 

Water  receives  au  additional  equivalent  of  oxygen, 
when  it  is  presented  to  it  in  a  nascent  state.  This 
combining  with  the  hydrogen  forms  a  deutoxide 
(H02.) 

It  was  first  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  profes- 
sion by  Dr.  B.  W.  Bichardson,  of  London,  in  1860, 
and  since  has  been  used  to  a  limited  extent.  He 
employed  it  in  acute  and  chronic  rheumatism,  and 
in  chronic  inflammation  with  aplastic  deposits.  It 
improved  digestion  and  nutrition,  increased  waste, 
oxidation  and  excretion. 

PHOSPHORUS. 

Preparation. — We  prepare  a  tincture  of  Phospho- 
rus, by  taking  gij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj. 

The  Phosphorus  is  divided  under  water,  which 
being  removed  the  Alcohol  is  poured  on ;  it  is 
allowed  to  stand  for  ten  days,  when  it  is  ready  for 
use.  We  use  an  excess  of  the  Phosphorus,  because 
in  the  commercial  article  there  is  but  a  small  por- 
tion which  can  be  acted  upon  by  Alcohol.  When 
of  full  strength,  the  tincture  will  contain  about  four 
grains  to  the  ounce.  We  prepare  it  for  use  by  add- 
ing one  or  two  drachms  of  the  tincture  to  four 
ounces  of  water,  of  which  the  dose  will  be  one  tea- 
spoonful. 

We  employ  this  preparation  of  Phosphorus  prin- 
cipally for  its  action  upon  the  urinary  and  repro- 


PHOSPHATE   OF  SODA.  173 

ductive  apparatus.  It  is  especially  useful  to  relieve 
vesical  and  prostatic  irritation,  especially  when 
arising  from  or  associated  with  sexual  excess. 

We  also  use  it  as  a  nerve  stimulant.  In  some 
cases  its  influence  will  be  quite  marked,  relieving 
irritation  and  improving  nutrition. 

THE  HYPOPHOSPHITES. 

The  Hypophosphites,  when  well  prepared,  gives 
us  Phosphorus  in  the  best  form  as  a  restorative. 
There  is  great  difficulty,  however,  in  obtaining  re- 
liable preparations,  and  many  have  been  disap- 
pointed on  this  account. 

I  now  use  the  Compound  Syrup  of  the  Hypophos- 
phites (Gordon's),  and  it  has  given  good  satisfaction. 
It  is  especially  useful  when  it  is  desirable  to  improve 
the  nutrition  of  the  nerve  centers,  though  it  exerts 
a  favorable  influence  over  the  entire  process  of 
nutrition.  I  usually  prescribe  it  in  doses  of  a  tea- 
spoonful  three  times  a  day  after  meals.  Its  action 
is  slow,  like  food,  and  time  must  be  given  to  obtain 
its  full  benefit. 

PHOSPHATE  OF  SODA. 

We  employ  a  pure  article  of  Phosphate  of  Soda, 
and  demand  that  it  be  finely  powdered;  probably 
Powers  &  Weightman's  will  give  the  most  satisfac- 
tion. 

The  Phosphate  of  Soda  has  two  uses — as  a  re- 
storative, and  for  its  influence  upon  the  intestinal 


174  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

tract.  As  a  restorative  I  employ  it  extensively  with 
children,  in  those  cases  where  there  is  impaired  nu- 
trition, with  pallidity  of  tongue  and  mucous  mem- 
branes. In  these  cases  it  will  he  found  to  exert  a 
markedly  beneficial  influence.  It  is  generally  ad- 
ministered in  milk  in  doses  of  one  to  three  grains, 
four  times  a  day.  We  occasionally  find  a  case  in 
the  adult  where  it  will  prove  beneficial.  These  are 
uniformly  marked  by  the  pallid  mucous  membranes, 
and  inaction  of  the  bowels.  The  dose  will  vary 
from  five  to  fifteen  grains. 

Its  second  use  is  as  a  laxative  for  children.  We 
find  cases  of  constipation  that  will  yield  to  no  reme- 
dies, the  child  suffers  from  indigestion,  and  occa- 
sionally from  colic.  In  these  cases  Phosphate  of 
Soda  in  doses  of  from  three  to  iive  grains,  three 
times  a  day,  will  give  permanent  relief. 

Phosphate  of  Soda  is  also  an  excellent  laxative 
for  the  adult,  especially  in  cases  of  habitual  consti- 
pation, with  hardened  feces.  In  this  case  twenty  to 
thirty  grains  in  a  large  glass  of  water,  is  taken  on 
going  to  bed  at  night 

PHYTOLACCA  DECANDEA. 

(Poke.) 

Preparation. — We  prepare  a  tincture  from  the 
fresh  root,  §viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  gtts.  ij. 
to  oss. 

This  is  one  of  those  remedies  that  loses  its  medi- 
cal properties  by  drying,  and  the  crude  article  fur- 


PIPER  NIGRUM.  175 

nished  from  drug  stores  is  wholly  worthless,  as  are 
the  preparations  from  it. 

The  tincture  of  ike  fresh  root  is  one  of  my  favor- 
ite remedies.  It  exerts  a  direct  influence  upon  the 
processes  of  waste  and  nutrition,  and  therefore  pos- 
sesses those  properties  called  alterative  in  a  high 
degree.  I  have  used  it  in  secondaiy  syphilis,  in 
chronic  skin  disease,  and  in  scrofula,  with  excellent 
results. 

It  has  a  direct  influence  upon  the  mammary 
glands,  and  will  generally  arrest  inflammation  if 
given  in  the  early  stage.  I  also  employ  it  in  cases 
of  sore  nipples,  "both  internally  and  locally,  with 
good  results. 

It  has  been  considerably  employed  in  diphtheria, 
and  many  believe  it  will  be  found  a  specific  to  the 
sore  throat.  In  this  disease  it  is  given  internally, 
and  employed  as  a  local  application. 

It  will  be  found  a  very  valuable  remedy,  and  as  it 
is  so  common,  I  would  advise  every  one  to  prepare 
them  a  tincture  in  the  fall  and  test  it  in  practice. 

PIPER  NIGRUM. 

(Black  Pepper.) 

We  make  a  tincture  of  Black  Pepper  in  the  pro- 
portion of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  The  Pepper 
should  be  finely  ground  and  packed  in  the  percola- 
tor, moistened  with  Alcohol  and  allowed  to  stand 
twenty-four  hours,  then  run  the  remainder  of  the 
Alcohol  through  it.     Dose,  gtts.  ij.  to  5j. 


176  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

Black  Pepper  is  a  remedy  I  value  very  highly. 
As  a  gastric  stimulant  it  certainly  has  no  superior, 
and  for  this  purpose  we  use  it  in  congestive  chills, 
in  cholera  morbus,  and  other  cases  of  a  similar 
character.  In  atonic  dyspepsia  it  maybe  associated 
with  Hydrastis  or  other  stomachic  bitter,  or  some- 
times with  Nux  Vomica  or  Strychnia.  I  have  used 
it  associated  with  Tincture  of  Macrotys  in  atonic 
amenorrhcea  with  advantage,  and  sometimes  the 
same  combination  will  be  found  beneficial  in  dys- 
menorrhea a. 

It  may  be  used  with  excellent  results  in  the  treat- 
ment of  intermittents,  preparing  the  way  for  Quinia 
and  associated  with  it.  In  these  cases  it  is  used  in 
full  doses. 

PIX  LIQUIDA. 

(Tar.) 

We  prepare  a  glycerole  of  tar  for  local  use  in  the 
following  way :  Heat  a  pound  of  glycerine  and  of 
tar  in  separate  vessels  ;  whilst  heating,  rub  up  an 
ounce  of  starch  in  a  mortar  with  a  portion  of  the 
glycerine,  and  stir  it  in  until  thoroughly  mixed ; 
when  hot  pour  the  two  together,  boil  for  a  moment, 
then  stir  until  cool. 

Glycerole  of  tar  prepared  in  this  way  is  a  specific 
for  many  forms  of  pruritus.  In  pruritus-ani  it  is 
so  certain  in  its  action,  that  I  prescribe  it  with  an 
almost  positive  certainty  that  it  will  not  only  give 
present  relief,  but  will  effect  a  radical  cure.  In 
eczema  with  pruritus,  it  has  proven  an  admirable 


PODOPHYLLUM.  177 

remedy,  and  has  effected  cures  in  protracted  and 
very  stubborn  cases.  The  indication  for  its  use  is 
itching. 

Tar  has  been  used  internally,  with  reported  good 
effects.  To  test  it  in  chronic  bronchial  disease,  and 
for  the  relief  of  cough,  I  would  suggest  one  part 
of  tar  to  nine  parts  of  glycerine,  combined  with 
heat. 

PLANTAGO  CORD ATA. 
(Water  Plantain.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  x. 
to  5ss. 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used,  yet  from 
what  we  know  of  it,  we  think  it  deserves  careful 
investigation.  It  exerts  a  direct  influence  upon  the 
nervous  system,  allaying  irritation  and  giving  better 
innervation.  It  was  employed  in  the  cholera  of 
1832  with  marked  success,  and  Prof.  Jones  thinks 
it  likely  to  prove  one  of  the  most  certain  remedies 
we  have  in  that  disease.  Let  some  of  our  physi- 
cians prepare  the  remedy,  and  report. 

PODOPHYLLUM. 

(May  Apple.) 

For  common  use,  prepare  a  tincture  from  the  root 
in  the  proportion  of  sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose 
gtt.  j.  to  5ss. 


178  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

I  am  satisfied  that  a  trial  of  a  tincture  of  Podo- 
phyllum will  satisfy  any  one  that  it  is  preferable  to 
Podophyllin  in  general  practice.  It  makes  no  dif- 
ference whether  it  is#to  be  used  as  a  stimulant  to 
the  digestive  tract,  as  an  alterative,  for  its  general 
cathartic  effect,  or  as  an  emeto-cathartic. 

For  its  stimulant  influence  and  to  improve  diges- 
tion, I  frequently  use  it  in  combination  with  the 
stomachic  bitters,  or  lSTux  Vomica,  Quinia,  and 
Iron  ;  necessarily  the  dose  is  small.  As  an  altera- 
tive, a  remedy  to  increase  waste,  it  may  be  combined 
with  other  agents  that  act  in  the  same  direction, 
with  the  bitter  tonics  and  restoratives,  or  many 
times  with  Yeratrum.  A  common  prescription  of 
mine  is  :  1^  Tincture  of  Yeratrum,  5ss. ;  Tincture 
of  Podophyllum,  Tincture  of  JSTux  Vomica,  aa  5j. ; 
Water,  §iv.  A  teaspoonful  every  four  hours.  In 
place  of  water,  the  vehicle  may  be  simple  syrup  or 
glycerine,  a  tincture  of  Mentha  Viridis  or  of  Amyg- 
dalus.  The  case  in  hand  will  suggest  the  best 
vehicle. 

I  am  well  satisfied  that  in  small  doses,  associated 
with  the  bitter  tonics  and  restoratives  and  good 
food,  it  is  decidedly  the  best  remedy  we  have  in  the 
treatment  of  old  syphilitic  lesions.  Its  action  may 
be  greatly  aided  sometimes  by  the  use  of  the  vapor- 
bath,  or  by  sulphur  and  iodine  baths. 

For  common  use  in  malarial  fevers,  where  the 
tongue  is  uniformly  coated  yellow,  I  would  suggest 
its  combination  with  Yeratrum  and  Aconite,  as  in 
the  following :  ^  Tincture  of  Yeratrum,  gtts.  xx. ; 


PODOPHYLLIN.  179 

Tincture  of  Aconite,  gtts.  x. ;  Tincture  of  Podo- 
phyllum, 5ss.  to  5j.;  Water,  5iv.  A  teaspoonful 
every  hour. 

For  the  ordinary  routine  of  medicine,  as  a  cathar- 
tic, combine  it  with  neutralizing  cordial,  as  Jfy  Tinc- 
ture of  Podophyllum,  5ij.  to  §ss. ;  Compound  Syrup 
of  Rhubarb,  §jss.  A  teaspoonful  every  two  or  three 
hours.  The  addition  of  a  small  portion  of  Tinctures 
of  Lobelia  or  Ipecac  will  render  its  action  more 
efficient  and  kindly.  As  an  emeto-cathartic  give  it 
with  a  ginger-tea,  or  other  stimulant  taken  freely. 

PODOPHYLLIN. 

To  obtain  the  direct  action  of  Podophyllin,  we 
prepare  it  for  use  by  thorough  trituration  with  sugar 
of  milk  or  white  sugar.  I  prefer  the  trituration  one 
part  of  Podophyllin  to  one  hundred  of  sugar. 

The  specific  use  of  Podophyllin  in  this  form  is  to 
arrest  increased  mucous  secretion  from  the  small 
intestine  and  give  it  power  to  perform  its  function. 
It  will  cure  acute  or  chronic  diarrhoea  with  mucous 
discharges,  and  in  some  cases  of  cholera  infantum 
it  "  acts  like  a  charm/''  No  one  who  has  used  the 
trituration  of  Podophyllin  in  these  cases  would  be 
willing  to  dispense  with  it,  and  many  will  find  it  of 
advantage  in  other  cases. 


180  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

POLEMONIUM  REPTANS 

(Jacob's  Ladder.) 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used,  yet  it  might 
repay  study.  If  some  of  our  friends  will  prepare  a 
tincture  from  the  fresh  root  and  test  it,  we  would 
be  glad  to  hear  the  report. 

POLYGALA  SENEGA. 
(Senega.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
dried  root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose,  gtts.  ij. 
to  gtts.  xx. 

The  stimulant  influence  of  Senega  upon  the 
throat  and  bronchial  mucous  membrane  is  well 
known,  and  is  probably  its  most  important  use. 
For  this  purpose  I  prefer  to  use  it  in  the  form  of 
tincture  to  that  of  syrup  so  commonly  employed. 
In  chronic  bronchitis  with  profuse  secretion,  it  may 
be  combined  with  small  doses  of  Ipecac  and  Vera- 
trum. 

Its  influence  upon  the  kidneys  and  reproductive 
organs  needs  to  be  studied,  and  I  have  no  doubt 
some  important  uses  will  be  found  for  it.  I  have 
employed  it  in  squamous  disease  of  the  skin,  and 
like  its  action  very  much  ;  it  is  one  of  a  very  few 
remedies  that  influence  these  diseases. 


POLYTRICHUM    JUNIPERUM.  181 

POLYGONUM  PUNCTATUM. 

(Water  Pepper.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb,  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj, 
Dose  gtts.  ij.  to  5ss. 

I  regard  the  tincture  of  Water-Pepper  as  one  of 
our  most  certain  stimulant  diaphoretics.  It  is  also 
one  of  the  best  emmeoagogues,  especially  when  the 
arrest  is  from  cold.  It  influences  the  urinary  and 
reproductive  organs,  but  its  action  in  these  direc- 
tions needs  to  be  studied. 

POLYPODIUM    VULGARE. 
(Polypody.) 

This  remedy  is  now  but  little  used,  yet  will  prob- 
ably repay  study.  For  experiment,  a  tincture 
should  be  prepared  from  the  fresh  root  with  dilute 
alcohol,  in  the  usual  proportion 

POLYTRICHUM  JUNIPERUM. 
(Hair-Cap  Moss.) 

The  hair-cap  moss  has  been  especially  employed 
as  a  diuretic,  and  so  long  as  it  could  be  readily  pro- 
cured without  admixture,  gave  good  satisfaction. 
I  do  not  know  that  it  has  any  direct  inilueuce, 
other  than  to  increase  the  secretion  of  water  in  the 
urine — a  hydragogue  diuretic ;  but  it  might  be  well 
to  study  its  action  more  closely. 


182  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

POPULUS    TREMULOIDES. 

(Poplar.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
bark  of  the  white  poplar,  iu  the  proportion  of  Sviij. 
to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose  5ss.  to  5j. 

This  remedy  is  so  common  and  may  be  so  easily 
prepared,  that  it  should  come  into  more  general  use 
as  a  tonic  and  stomachic.  It  improves  the  appetite 
and  strengthens  digestion,  exerting  its  influence 
more  especially  upon  the  upper  intestine.  It  influ- 
ences the  urinary  organs,  but  its  action  in  this  direc- 
tion needs  to  be  studied. 

PRINOS   VERTICILLATUS. 

(Black  Alder.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
bark  of  the  Black  Alder,  in  the  proportion  of  5viij. 
to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

This  remedy  is  a  stimulant  to  the  digestive  and 
blood-making  organs,  and  may  be  advantageously 
employed  for  the  general  purposes  of  a  tonic.  But 
beyond  this,  it  influences  the  vegetative  processes, 
probably  through  the  sympathetic  system  of  nerves, 
strengthening  the  circulation,  aiding  nutrition,  and 
the  removal  of  waste.  We  have  used  it  but  little, 
yet  the  testimony  in  its  favor  is  such,  that  we 
strongly  recommend  its  trial. 


PTERIS    TRIFOLIATA.  183 

PRUNUS  VIRGINIANA. 
(Wild  Cherry.) 

The  tincture  of  Prunus  should  be  prepared  from 
the  fresh  inner  bark,  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to 
Alcohol  50°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

In  addition  to  its  tonic  influence,  which  it  pos- 
sesses in  common  with  many  of  our  indigenous  bit- 
ters, it  has  other  valuable  medicinal  properties.  It 
allays  irritation  of  mucous  membrane,  both  of  the 
gastro-intestinal  canal,  the  respiratory  tract,  and 
urinary  apparatus.  This  will  probably  prove  its 
most  important  use.  The  influence  upon  the  circu- 
lation and  upon  secretion  is  not  decided,  but  in 
atonic  states  will  sometimes  be  found  very  desirable. 
In  some  of  these  cases  I  have  combined  it  with  the 
Tincture  of  Nux  Vomica  or  Solution  of  Strychnia, 
with  excellent  results. 

The  remedy  is  so  common,  and  so  easily  prepared, 
that  it  should  find  a  place  in  every  office,  and  I  have 
no  doubt  that  as  it  is  employed,  other  uses  than 
those  named  will  be  developed. 

PTELEA  TRIFOLIATA. 

(Wafer  Ash).  » 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  bark 
of  the  root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  gtts. 
x.  to  5ss. 

Ptelea  is  an  excellent  tonic,  hardly  surpassed  in 
its  general  uses  by  any  agent  of  our  Materia  Medi- 
ca,  if  we  except  Hydrastis.     It  may  be  employed 


184  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

in  all  atonic  states  of  the  stomach  and  upper  intes- 
tinal canal,  when  it  is  desirable  to  increase  the  ap- 
petite and  digestion.  It  is  claimed  to  exert  an  in- 
fluence upon  the  respiratory  apparatus,  but  we  have 
never  noticed  any  action  other  than  as  a  tonic. 

PTERIS  ATROPURPUREA. 

(Rock  Brake.) 

A  tincture  should  be  prepared  from  the  entire 
plant  fresh,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from 
gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  x. 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used  except  in 
domestic  practice.  It  exerts  a  marked  influence 
upon  the  excretory  apparatus,  controlling  diar- 
rhoea, dysentery,  night  sweats,  hemorrhages,  etc. 
This  may  depend  to  some  extent  upon  its  tannic 
acid,  but  there  is  an  influence  beyond  this.  Will 
some  of  our  practitioners  prepare  a  tincture  and 
test  it,  and  report  ? 

PETROLEUM. 

There  are  two  varieties — the  heavy  and  the  light 
coal-oils,  which  differ  as  much  in  their  medicinal 
properties  as  they  do  in  use — probably  the  heavy 
should  alone  be  used. 

A  very  pure  and  heavy  oil,  known  as  Mecca  Oil 
from  the  well  that  yields  it,  is  recommended.  It  is 
a  dark,  bland  oil — not  unpleasant  to  the  taste,  and 
is  furnished  by  the  gallon  from  our  druggists  at 
$2.00. 


PROPYLAMIN.  185 

It  has  been  employed  with  advantage  in  chronic 
bronchitis  and  laryngitis,  and  phthisis,  with  bron- 
chial irritation.  Some  contend  that  for  bronchial 
disease  it  is  unsurpassed.  It  has  also  been  em- 
ployed in  scrofula,  chronic  disease  of  the  urinary 
apparatus,  and  in  chronic  skin  diseases.  It  would 
be  well  to  test  it  thoroughly  in  these  cases,  and  also 
for  its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system.  The 
dose  will  vary  from  one  drop  to  a  teaspoonful. 

PROPYLAMIN. 

The  Propylamin  of  commerce  is  obtained  from 
herring  pickle,  and  is  in  the  form  of  a  colorless  trans- 
parent liquid  ;  the  muriate  is  in  the  form  of  powder 
and  is  about  two-thirds  of  its  strength.  We  pre- 
pare it  for  use  by  adding  twenty-four  drops,  or  thir- 
ty-six grains  of  the  Muriate  of  Propylamin  to  six 
ounces  of  mint  water,  the  dose  of  which  will  be 
from  a  tea  to  a  tablespoonful. 

Investigation  has  determined  that  Propylamin  is 
the  same  as  the  Secalin  derived  from  Ergot.  My 
use  of  the  remedy  clearly  proved  the  analogy  be- 
tween the  Propylamin  and  Ergot  in  its  poisonous 
effects. 

The  remedy  was  introduced  by  Dr.  Owenarius  of 
St.  Petersburgh,  Russia,  as  a  specific  for  rheuma- 
tism, and  a  large  number  of  cases  were  reported  in 
which  it  had  proven  curative  in  a  short  time.  This 
was  in  1856,  and  it  was  tested  in  this  country  as 
well  as  in  Europe,  but  without  very  satisfactory 
results. 

16 


186  SPECIEIC  MEDICATION. 

I  employed  it  in  quite  a  number  of  cases  of  rheu- 
matism, and  at  first  thought  very  favorably  of  its 
action,  but  developing  marked  typhoid  disease  in 
some  cases  I  became  alarmed  and  dropped  it.  I 
am  confident  it  possesses  a  marked  influence  upon 
the  animal  economy,  but  unless  used  with  care,  it 
is  as  likely  to  be  for  evil  as  good.  I  developed  a 
typical  typhoid  fever  with  it,  that  ran  a  course  of 
■£lyq  weeks,  with  intestinal  irritation,  rose-colored 
spots  and  typhomania.  It  was  evidently  due  to  the 
medicine,  as  when  its  administration  was  com- 
menced it  was  a  case  of  simple  inflammatory  rheu- 
matism about  the  fifth  day,  and  there  was  no  such 
thing  as  typhoid  fever  that  year. 

In  employing  the  Propylamin  in  the  treatment 
of  rheumatism,  I  think  it  necessary  to  first  bring 
the  circulation  fully  under  the  influence  of  the  seda- 
tives, and  then  establish  secretion — now  the  remedy 
may  be  used  with  safety. 

In  doses  much  smaller  than  named,  I  feel  confi- 
dent the  Propylamin  will  be  found  a  stimulant  to 
the  entire  vegetative  functions.  It  strengthens  the 
circulation,  improves  nutrition,  and  stimulates 
waste  and  secretion.  In  these  directions  it  deserves 
thorough  investigation.  The  proportions  I  would 
recommend  would  be  gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  x.  to  mint 
water  oiv.,  a  teaspoonful  every  three  or  four  hours. 
Or  better,  Tfy  Muriate  of  Propylamin,  grs.  x. ;  Sugar 
of  Milk,  grs.  1000  ;  triturate  thoroughly;  dose  one 
to  Hve  grains. 


PULMONAEIA   OFFICINALIS.  187 

PTEROSPORA   ANDROMEDA. 
(Crawley.) 

Preparation, — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant  and  root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from 
gtts.  j.  to  v. 

The  Crawley  is  a  very  scarce  article,  and  in  the 
market  commands  a  high  price.  When  the  practi- 
tioner can  obtain  it  and  prepare  it  himself,  he  will 
find  it  one  of  the  most  valuable  of  the  Materia 
Medica.  It  possesses  decided  sedative  properties, 
and  may  be  employed  for  this  purpose,  but  its  prin- 
cipal use  is  to  establish  waste  and  secretion.  Fol- 
lowing or  associated  with  Veratrum  or  Aconite, 
there  is  no  remedy  that  will  more  quickly  and  cer- 
tainly establish  secretion  from  skin  and  kidneys. 
It  is  probable  that  other  uses  will  be  developed  by 
experiment. 

PULMONARIA    OFFICINALIS. 

(Lungwort.) 

Preparation, — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
leaves,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose,  from  ten 
drops  to  5ss. 

The  Lungwort  has  a  popular  reputation  as  a 
remedy  in  diseases  of  the  chest.  It  would  be  well 
to  test  it  thoroughly  and  determine  its  medicinal 
action  in  this  direction. 


188  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

PULSATILLA  NIGRICANS. 
(Pulsatilla.) 

We  employ  the  German  tincture  prepared  from 
the  fresh  herb  according  to  the  Homoeopathic  phar- 
macy. That  prepared  from  the  imported  dried 
herb  will  not  give  good  satisfaction.  We  usually 
prescribe  it  in  this  proportion :  ^  Tincture  of  Pul- 
satilla, 5j.  to  5\j. ;  Water,  §iv.  A  teaspoonful  every 
four  hours. 

The  principal  use  of  Pulsatilla  is  to  relieve  certain 
cerebral  symptoms  with  difficulty  relieved  by  other 
remedies.  In  some  diseases  of  women,  in  sperma- 
torrhoea and  prostatorrhoea,  in  heart  disease,  and 
some  other  chronic  affections,  we  find  certain  head 
symptoms  playing  an  important  part,  and  giving  a 
good  deal  of  trouble.  The  patient  is  nervous,  rest- 
less, has  an  active  imagination  for  disease,  a  fear  of 
impending  danger,  etc.  These  symptoms  are  very 
unpleasant,  and  not  unfrequently  prevent  the  cura- 
tive action  of  remedies.  Pulsatilla  reaches  them 
and  gives  prompt  and  certain  relief. 

I  would  not  treat  some  cases  of  spermatorrhoea 
without  I  could  employ  this  remedy.  For  with  the 
unnatural  excitement  of  the  mind,  no  remedy  would 
exert  a  curative  influence.  So  in  some  cases  of 
heart  disease,  the  head  symptoms  are  the  most 
prominent  and  unpleasant  features.  Relieve  the 
unpleasant  mental  sensations  and  dread  of  danger, 
and  we  have  removed  a  permanent  cause  of  excite- 
ment. 


PYRETHRUM  PARTHENIUM.  189 

Though  Pulsatilla  is  the  remedy  for  nervousness, 
it  must  not  be  given  with  any  expectation  of  benefit 
when  the  excitement  depends  upon  irritation  and 
determination  of  blood.  In  this  case  it  will  either 
exert  no  influence  or  it  will  be  unfavorable. 

The  Pulsatilla  exerts  a  marked  influence  upon 
the  reproductive  organs  of  both  male  and  female. 
I  regard  it  as  decidedly  the  best  emmenagogue, 
when  the  suppression  is  not  the  result  of  or  attended 
by  irritation  and  determination  of  blood ;  where 
there  is  simple  suppression  from  atony  or  nervous 
shock,  it  may  be  used  with  confidence.  In  male  or 
female  it  lessens  sexual  excitement.  It  does  not 
diminish  sexual  power,  but  rather  strengthens  it  by 
lessening  morbid  excitement. 

There  are  other  uses  for  the  remedy,  but  those  I 
have  named  are  prominent  ones,  and  readily  recog- 
nized. I  value  the  remedy  very  highly,  and  am 
satisfied  from  an  experience  of  ten  years  in  its  use 
that  I  do  not  overestimate  it. 

PYRETHRUM  PARTHENIUM. 

(Feverfew.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  v. 
to  5ss. 

The  Feverfew  has  the  reputation  of  being  an  ad- 
mirable tonic,  at  the  same  time  being  one  of  the 
most  pleasant  of  its  class.  It  influences  the  entire 
intestinal  tract,  improves  the  appetite  and  digestion, 
and  stimulates  secretion.     It  also  exerts  an  influence 


190  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

upon  the  skin  and  kidneys.  This  is  one  of  the  little 
used  medicines  that  deserves  careful  study,  and  as 
it  is  cultivated  in  our  gardeus  it  is  within  the  reach 
of  all. 


PYROLA  ROTUNDIFOLIA. 

(False  Wintergreen.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  §viij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  v. 
to  5ss. 

This  also  is  likely  to  prove  a  valuable  remedy  and 
deserves  to  be  studied.  It  has  marked  tonic  prop- 
erties, and  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  urinary 
organs,  relieving  irritation.  It  is  claimed  to  exert 
an  influence  upon  the  nervous  system,  and  to  have 
been  successfully  employed  in  convulsions  and 
epilepsy. 

PYRUS  MALUS. 

(Apple  Tree.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root-bark  of  the  apple-tree,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

Though  so  common  and  easily  prepared,  this 
remedy  has  been  but  little  studied.  It  possesses 
tonic  and  antiperiodic  properties,  and  may  be  em- 
ployed in  a  great  many  cases  instead  of  more  costly 
remedies.  The  only  use  I  have  made  of  it  was  in 
intermittent  fevers,  and  whilst  it  was  not  a  substi- 
tute for  Quinia,  it  evidently  exerted  a  good  influ- 


QUINIA   SULPHAS.  191 

ence  upon  the  disease,  especially  in  preventing  a 
recurrence  of  the  paroxysms. 


QUERCUS  RUBRA. 
(Red  Oak.) 

The  Eed  Oak  is  not  only  astringent  from  its  tan- 
nic acid,  but  it  possesses  other  properties  that  will 
render  it  useful  in  some  cases.  Among  them  is  its 
tonic  influence,  and  its  action  upon  skin  and  kid- 
neys. I  have  used  it  in  chronic  eczema  associated 
with  Rumex,  both  as  a  local  and  internal  remedy, 
with  marked  advantage.  A  combination  of  Quer- 
cus  Rubra,  Rumex  and  Alnus  is  my  favorite  remedy 
in  obstinate  cases  of  scrofula  where  there  are  old 
ulcers,  feeble  tissues  and  cicatrices.  In  these  cases 
I  use  it  as  a  local  application  and  as  an  internal 
remedy. 

I  have  employed  it  principally  in  infusion  and  de- 
coction, but  for  experiment  would  recommend  the 
preparation  of  a  tincture,  Sviij.  of  the  fresh  inner 
bark  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5ss. 

QUINIA    SULPHAS. 

(Quinine.) 

There  is  no  occasion  to  give  a  lengthy  description 
of  the  specific  action  of  Quinine,  as  every  one  of  my 
readers  is  thoroughly  conversant  with  it.  But  it 
may  be  of  use  to  some,  to  state  the  conditions  neces- 
sary to  its  kindly  and  medicinal  action. 


192  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

Probably  there  is  no  remedy  in  the  Materia 
Medica  that  gives  so  many  failures  as  this,  and  I 
think  we  may  be  safe  in  assuming  that  it  is  given 
ten  times  where  its  specific  action  is  obtained  once. 
Every  one  wiU  recollect  cases  in  which  it  did  not 
break  up  periodic  disease,  many  more  cases  in  which 
its  influence  was  but  temporary,  a  large  number 
in  which  it  produced  unpleasant  cerebral  symptoms, 
and  some  in  which  a  Quinia  disease  was  developed, 
which  was   much  worse  than  the  original  malady. 

Why  is  this  ?  Is  it  the  fault  of  the  remedy,  the 
fault  of  the  patient,  or  the  fault  of  the  practitioner? 
O,  the  doctor  answers,  it  is  from  idiosyncrasy  I  So 
we  believe,  but  wTe  locate  the  idiosyncrasy  in  the 
doctor's  head,  and  not  in  the  patient. 

I  have  taught  for  years,  that  if  we  are  to  expect 
the  kindly  and  curative  actiou  of  Quinia,  the 
stomach  must  be  in  condition  to  receive  and  absorb 
it,  and  the  system  in  condition  for  its  action.  If 
we  have  a  proper  condition  in  these  respects,  we 
wTill  hear  nothing  of  roaring  in  the  ears,  vertigo, 
etc.,  but  its  action  will  be  most  kindly.  The  rule  is 
very  simple — Given,  a  soft  and  open  pulse,  a  moist  skin, 
moist  and  cleaning  tongue,  and  Quinia  will  act  kindly, 
antidote  the  malarial  poison,  or  in  small  doses  im- 
prove innervation.  Always  get  this  condition  before 
prescribing  the  remedy,  aud  you  will  never  be  dis- 
appointed in  its  action. 

As  an  antiperiodic  I  believe  in  prescribing  single 
doses.  Put  the  stomach  in  proper  condition,  regu- 
late   the  circulation,  establish  secretion,  and  then 


QUINIA    SULPHAS.  193 

give  one  full  dose  of  the  remedy,  (10  to  15  grs.) 
The  best  form  of  the  remedy  is  in  solution  with  one 
or  two  ounces  of  water,  using  a  sufficient  quantity 
of  sulphuric  acid. 

This  is  not  only  the  most  certain  method  of  admin- 
istration, but  I  think  it  will  be  found  the  most 
pleasant. 

It  is  hardly  necessary  to  impress  upon  the  reader 
the  necessity  of  determining  the  periodic  element 
in  disease.  Whilst  we  may  not  know  what  it  is,  or 
how  Quinine  antidotes  it,  we  know  that  its  removal 
cures,  or  at  least  paves  the  way  to  a  cure. 

But  Quinine  is  not  specific  to  all  agues.  We  see 
it  given  day  after  day,  week  after  week,  in  many 
cases,  without  any  advantage.  But  on  the  contrary, 
it  excites  the  nervous  and  vascular  systems,  and  at 
last  produces  a  chronic  erythism  of  them,  that  is 
correctly  named  "the  Quinine  disease."  From  this, 
recovery  is  far  more  difficult  than  from  the  mala- 
rial affection. 

Is  it  possible  then,  to  determine  the  cases  in  which 
Quinine  will  prove  specific,  and  the  cases  in  which 
it  will  fail  ?  I  think  it  is.  It  antidotes  the  mala- 
rial poison  only  when  kindly  received  and  absorbed, 
and  when  the  system  is  in  such  condition  that  it 
can  be  readily  excreted.  Given,  the  condition  of 
pulse,  skin  and  tongue;  that  we  have  already 
named,  and  its  action  is  as  certain  as  could  be  de- 
sired. 

In  some  cases,  the  general  treatment  directed  to 
obtaining  normal  activity  of  the  various  functions, 
17 


194  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

is  the  most  successful.  In  some  cases  Nux  Vomica 
or  Strychnia  is  preferable.  In  others  minute  doses 
of  Arsenic  antagonizes  the  malarial  poison.  Whilst 
in  some  rare  cases,  I  have  treated  the  disease  most 
successfully  with  Aconite  and  Belladonna. 

As  a  stimulant  to  the  cerebro-spinal  centers,  its 
use  is  very  important.  In  many  forms  of  disease, 
especially  in  the  advanced  stages,  we  find  an  im- 
paired innervation,  preventing  functional  activity, 
or  its  restoration  and  continuance  by  the  use  of 
remedies.  It  is  essential  to  success  that  innerva- 
tion be  increased,  not  temporarily  by  the  use  of 
stimulants,  but  somewhat  permanently.  This  we 
accomplish  by  the  administration  of  small  doses  of 
Quinine  (grs.  J  to  grs.  ij).  Even  here,  we  find  it 
necessary  to  observe  the  rules  for  its  administration 
already  noticed — the  patient  must  be  prepared  for 
its  use.  » 

It  favorably  influences  the  nutrition  of  the  nerve 
centres,  and  hence  is  employed  in  the  treatment  of 
chronic  disease  with  enfeebled  innervation,  with 
marked  advantage.  There  are  two  classes  of 
chronic  disease  in  which  it  is  useful — the  one  in 
which  there  is  a  malarial  influence,  with  obscure 
periodicity,  and  the  other  the  enfeebled  innervation, 
as  named  above. 

Its  general  tonic  and  stomachic  influence,  (when 
obtained)  is  most  certainly  from  this  action  upon 
the  nervous  system — the  influence  extending  to  the 
sympathetic  ganglia,  as  well  as  to  the  cerebro-spinal 
centers.     In  some  cases  this  action  is  very  impor- 


POTASSII   FERROCYANURETUM.  195 

tant,  improving  digestion  and  blood-making,  and 
nutrition,  as  well  as  waste  and  excretion — aiding 
"  the  renewal  of  life." 

POTASSII   FERROCYANURETUM. 

(Prussiate  op  Potash.) 

The  Prussiate  of  Potash  was  omitted  in  its 
proper  place  by  mistake.  It  is  a  remedy  I  value 
highly,  and  though  little  used  it  is  certain  to  become 
a  favorite. 

We  find  it  in  market  in  the  form  of  prismatic 
crystals  of  a  clear  lemon-yellow  color,  inodorous, 
possessed  of  a  sweetish-bitter  saline  taste.  If  the 
salt  is  dirty,  dark-colored,  or  parti-colored,  it  should 
be  rejected.  We  prepare  it  for  use  by  adding  gss. 
to  Water,  §iv.  Dose,  one  teaspoonful  every  three 
hours. 

In  chronic  disease  where  there  is  marked  irrita- 
bility of  the  nervous  system,  with  frequency  of 
pulse,  we  will  find  it  an  excellent  remedy.  It  les- 
sens irritation  of  the  nervous  system,  and  acts  as  a 
special  sedative  to  the  circulation.  In  chronic  dis- 
ease of  the  reproductive  organs  in  women,  with 
hysterical  manifestations,  it  exerts  a  direct  and 
marked  influence — so  in  hypochondriacal  affections 
in  the  male. 

It  exerts  a  decided  influence  upon  mucous  mem- 
branes. When  they  are  pallid,  lax,  and  give  in- 
creased secretion,  the  Prussiate  of  Potash  may  be 
used  with  advantage.  It  makes  little  difference, 
whether  of  nose,  throat,  bronchial  tubes,  intestinal 


196  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

mucous  membrane,  or  chronic  vaginitis  with  leu- 
corrhcea,  the  influence  is  the  same. 

This  will  suggest  to  the  practitioner  the  cases  in 
which  it  may  be  tested :  where  there  is  excitation,  but 
impaired  nutrition  of  the  nerve  centres,  and  where 
there  is  feebleness  of  mucous  membranes  with  in- 
creased secretion  of  mucus. 

RANUNCULUS    BULBOSUS. 

(Crowfoot.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root  in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose,  the  fraction  of  a  drop,  very  largely  diluted 
with  water.  The  remedy  is  exceedingly  acrid,  and 
must  be  used  with  care. 

Prof.  King  reports  the  cure  of  nursing  sore  mouth 
by  its  internal  administration  in  small  doses  in  in- 
fusion. It  has  also  been  employed  as  a  stimulant 
to  the  vegetative  processes,  with  reported  good  re- 
sults. It  should  be  thoroughly  tested,  and  we  will 
be  obliged  to  any  one  of  our  readers  for  a  report. 
Prescribe  it  in  about  the  following  proportion :  1^ 
Tincture  of  Ranunculus,  gtts.  x. ;  Water,  oiv. 
Dose,  a  teaspoonful. 

RHAMNUS   CATHARTICUS. 

(Buckthorn.) 

Two  preparations  of  this  agent  may  be  used. 
Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh  bark  in  the  pro- 
portion of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.     Dose,  gtts.  vj 


RHEUM   PALMATUM.  197 

to  gtts.  xxx.  Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  berries, 
in  the  proportion  of  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose, 
from  the  fraction  of  a  drop  to  two  to  five  drops, 
largely  diluted  with  water. 

Buckthorn  berries  have  been  employed  as  a 
cathartic,  but  their  activity,  attended  with  nausea, 
dryness  of  the  throat,  thirst  and  tormina,  made 
their  use  limited.  The  tincture  of  the  berries  in 
small  doses  may  be  tested  for  its  influence  on  the 
digestive  apparatus,  in  diseases  of  the  nose,  throat, 
and  respiratory  organs,  and  as  a  stimulant  to  the 
vegetative  processes. 

It  is  claimed  that  a  preparation  from  the  bark 
gives  one  of  the  most  efficient  alteratives  of  the 
Materia  Medica.  Dr.  William  Goltry  claimed  that 
a  tea  made  of  the  bark  or  berries  would  cure  cancer 
and  scrofulous  diseases  generally.  Dr.  William  S. 
Knight  writes,  "  I  have  been  using  the  Khamnus 
Catharticus  in  all  forms  of  scrofulous  disease  for 
the  last  two  years  (1866)  with  good  effect.  I  make 
an  infusion  from  the  bark  and  let  the  patient  drink 
as  much  as  he  well  can  during  the  day,  so  as  not 
to  act  too  much  upon  the  bowels." 

RHEUM  PALMATUM. 

(Rhubarb.) 

Preparation.  —  Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  best 
Russian,  Turkey,  or  India  Rhubarb,  in  the  propor- 
tion of  sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose,  from  the 
fraction  of  a  drop  to  ten  drops. 

It  is  not  worth  while  to  speak  of  the  common  use 


198  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

of  Rhubarb,  as  there  is  no  remedy  better  known 
and  more  used.  But  it  will  be  noticed  that  we 
have  recommended  a  wholly  different  preparation, 
and  we  propose  to  dispense  it  in  small  doses  for  its 
direct  action. 

In  the  proportion  of  Ify  Tincture  of  Rhubarb,  5j-, 
Water,  §iv.,  a  teaspoonful  every  half  hour  or  hour, 
it  will  be  found  one  of  our  best  remedies  to  control 
irritation  of  the  stomach,  and  arrest  vomiting.  In 
children  it  is  especially  useful,  where  there  is  ner- 
vous irritability,  manifested  by  restlessness,  screams, 
and  convulsive  contraction  of  muscles. 

In  the  same  doses,  less  frequently  repeated,  it 
will  prove  an  excellent  tonic,  strengthening  the 
functions  of  both  stomach  and  intestines,  giving 
improved  digestion.  In  indigestion,  with  some 
diarrhoea,  of  a  papescent  character,  it  will  be  found 
a  good  remedy. 

In  some  cases  it  will  prove  our  best  remedy  in  the 
treatment  of  obstinate  constipation.  The  cases  are 
those  in  which  there  is  an  unnatural  sensation  of 
constriction  in  stomach  and  bowels,  and  contraction 
of  the  abdominal  muscles.  I  prescribe  it  in  these 
cases  in  doses  of  ten  drops  in  a  large  glass  of  water, 
on  rising  in  the  morning.  In  the  severer  cases  it  is 
associated  with  thorough  fatty  innunction  over  the 
abdomen,  and  friction. 

I  employ  it  as  a  restorative,  where  there  is  special 
need  of  increased  nutrition  of  nerve  tissue.  It  is 
thus  associated  with  the  preparations  of  Phospho- 
rus, and  with  Cod  Liver  Oil. 


RHUS    GLABRUM.  199 

RHODODENDRON  CHRYSANTHUM. 

(Rhododendron.) 

A  tincture  is  prepared  from  the  fresh  leaves  col- 
lected in  September ;  that  we  employ  is  imported 
from  Germany.  Two  native  species — the  R.  Maxi- 
mum and  R.  Punctatum  possess  similar  properties, 
but  much  milder,  and  should  be  tested. 

The  influence  of  the  Rhododendron  on  the  circu- 
lation is  very  marked.  It  undoubtedly  acts  like 
Veratrum  and  Aconite,  stimulating  the  circulatory 
apparatus  through  the  sympathetic,  and  diminish- 
ing the  frequency  of  the  pulse  by  increasing  the 
power  of  the  heart,  and  removing  capillary  obstruc- 
tion. Acting  in  this  way,  it  has  been  employed  with 
advantage  in  rheumatism,  gout,  syphilis,  and  some 
acute  diseases.  It  is  claimed  to  exert  an  influence 
upon  the  reproductive  apparatus,  being  used  in  or- 
chitis, in  suppression  of  gonorrhoea,  and  in  hydro- 
cele. It  has  been  but  little  employed  in  this  coun- 
try, but  our  native  specimens  deserve  a  thorough 
examination. 

RHUS  GLABRUM. 

(Sumach.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root  bark,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts. 
v.  to  gtts.  xx. 

The  Sumach  as  thus  prepared  exerts  a  direct  in- 
fluence upon  the  processes  of  waste  and  repair — al- 
terative.    It  has  not  been  much  used,  and  we  caii 


200  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

not  tell  whether  it  will  prove  better  than  others  of 
this  class  ;  still  it  deserves  a  thorough  trial.  It  is 
claimed  to  be  antidotal  to  the  action  of  mercury, 
especially  in  chronic  mercurial  disease,  and  has 
been  employed  in  the  treatment  of  secondary 
syphilis,  after  mercurialization,  with  advantage. 

RHUS    TOXICODENDRON. 

(Poison  Oak.) 

Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent  leaves,  Sviij. 
to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Added  to  water  in  the  propor- 
tion of  gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  x.  to  §iv.,  the  dose  is  a 
teaspoonful.  The  R.  Radicans,  R.  Venenata,  and 
R.  Pumilum  may  be  prepared  in  the  same  manner, 
and  deserve  a  thorough  investigation. 

The  Rhus  is  likely  to  prove  one  of  our  most 
valuable  medicines,  and  will  be  highly  prized  when 
its  use  is  learned.  It  is  antidotal  to  such  animal 
poisons  (zymotic)  as  determine  to  the  skin,  in  ery- 
sipelas or  erysipeloid  disease,  or  in  low  grades  of 
inflammation  of  cellular  tissue,  or  in  low  grades  of 
inflammation  of  mucous  membranes.  A  frequent, 
small  pulse,  redness  of  mucous  membranes,  brown 
sordes,  bright  superficial  redness  of  skin,  tympani- 
tis, acrid  discharges  from  bowels  or  bladder,  are  in- 
dications for  its  use.  So  also  is  inflammatory  action, 
presenting  tumid,  bright  reddened  tissues,  deep 
seated  or  superficial  burning  pain,  inflammation 
giving  an  ichorous  discharge,  in  which  the  tissues 
seem  to  melt  away  without  sloughing.  Old  ulcers, 
that  present  reddened,  glistening  edges,  scrofulous 


RHUS   TOXICODENDRON.  201 

or  syphilitic  disease,  with  tumid-red,  glistening 
swellings. 

I  have  preferred  to  thus  point  out  distinctly  the 
indications  for  the  use  of  the  Khus,  without  refer- 
ence to  the  disease,  according  to  our  present  nomen- 
clature. It  will  he  seen  to  point  to  erysipelas, 
typhoid  fever  and  typhoid  disease  in  general,  and 
the  entire  list  of  zymotic  diseases. 

Our  Homoeopathic  friends  give  the  following  in- 
dications for  its  use  : 

"  Affections  of  the  ligaments,  tendons  and  syno- 
vial membranes  ;  tensions,  drawing  and  tearing  in 
the  limbs,  worse  during  rest,  and  in  the  cold  season, 
or  at  night,  in  bed,  frequently  attended  with  numb- 
ness of  the  affected  part  after  moving  it;  creeping 
pains ;  sensation  in  inner  organs  as  if  something 
would  be  torn  loose ;  lameness  and  paralysis,  also 
hemiplegia ;  vesicular  erysipelas ;  rhagades ;  pus- 
tules which  break  and  discharge  a  fluid ;  hang- 
nails ;  red,  shining  swelling ;  violent  and  spasmodic 
yawning ;  evening  fever,  with  diarrhoea  ;  sweat  dur- 
ing the  pains,  frequently  with  violent  trembling ; 
illusions  of  the  fancy,  and  delirium ;  pain  as  if  the 
brain  would  be  torn  ;  painful  creeping  in  the  head  ; 
swelling  of  the  head ;  phagedenic  scald-head  ;  small, 
soft  tumors  on  the  hairy  scalp  ;  swelling  and  in- 
flammation of  the  parotid  glands;  acne  rosacea 
around  the  mouth  and  chin ;  nightly  discharge  of 
yellowish,  or  bloody  saliva ;  ulcerative  pain  in  the 
pit  of  the  stomach  as  if  something  would  be  torn 
oft*,   especially    when  stooping  or  making   a  false 


202  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

step ;  the  small  of  the  back  feels  as  if  bruised,  es- 
pecially when  lying  still  on  it." 

BOBINIA  PSEUIX)-ACACIA. 

(Black  Locust.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
inner  bark  of  the  Black  Locust,  Bviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  j.  to  gtts.  x. 

This  remedy  has  been  but  little  used,  yet  its  ac- 
tivity is  such  that  we  may  reasonably  expect  that 
experiment  will  develop  some  valuable  medicinal 
use.  It  acts  on  the  stomach  and  bowels  in  large 
doses,  and  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  nervous  sys- 
tem.    Will  some  of  our  readers  test  it  and  report  ? 

RUMEX  ACETOSELLA. 
(Sheep  Sorrel) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
sorrel,  gviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose,  from  gtts.  x. 
+o  5ss.  It  is  employed  locally  in  the  treatment  of 
cancer,  the  following  formula  being  employed  : 

"  Cancer  Balsam. — Take  the  common  Sheep  Sorrel 
when  in  bloom,  bruise  well  in  a  mortar,  and  add  a 
small  quantity  of  water ;  then  press  the  weed  so  as 
to  obtain  all  the  juice,  strain  it  and  place  in  the 
sunshine  in  a  pewter  dish,  and  let  it  evaporate  to 
the  consistence  of  honey.  It  is  then  ready  for  use, 
and  should  be  put  up  in  sealed  boxes  or  closely 
stopped  bottles,  in  order  to  prevent  evaporation." 

A  tincture  of  the  Sorrel  has  a  very  decided  action 


RUMEX   CRISPUS.  203 

in  those  cases  where  there  is  a  tendency  to  degene- 
ration of  tissue.  It  makes  no  difference  whether  it 
is  called  syphilis,  scrofula,  or  cancer,  the  indication 
for  use  is  the  replacement  of  tissue  with  lower  or- 
ganizations. To  what  extent  it  opposes  the  pro- 
cess of  degeneration  we  are  unable  to  say,  the  use 
has  been  so  limited,  but  it  deserves  a  thorough  in- 
vestigation. It  influences  the  secretion  of  urine 
and  urinary  apparatus,  but  its  medicinal  action  in 
this  respect  has  yet  to  be  determined. 

Its  use  in  the  treatment  of  cancer  has  been  quite 
extensive,  and  if  we  can  believe  the  reports  given, 
it  has  proven  fully  as  successful  as  any  other  reme- 
dy. A  full  description  of  this  method  of  treatment 
will  be  found  in  the  Eclectic  Journal  for  May,  1870, 
jpage  142. 

RUMEX  CRISPUS. 
(Yellow  Dock.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  5viij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.     Dose  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 

We  employ  Eumex  in  cases  of  bad  blood  with  dis- 
ease of  the  skin  ;  in  these  cases  it  is  certainly  one 
of  the  most  valuable  alteratives  we  have.  In  these 
cases  we  not  only  use  it  internally,  but  as  a  local 
application.  In  scrofulous  disease,  with  deposit  in 
glands  and  cellular  tissue,  with  tendency  to  break 
down  and  feeble  repair,  I  think  the  Eumex  un- 
equaled  ;  here  also,  we  use  it  internally  and  locally. 

Dr.  Hale  reports  cases  of  dyspepsia,  with  sensa- 


204  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

tious  of  fullness  and  pressure  in  pit  of  stomach, 
pain  in  the  chest,  etc.,  cured  by  Rumex.  Dr. 
Dunham  employed  it  in  catarrhal  affections  of  the 
larynx,  trachea  and  bronchia  with  advantage.  I 
have  used  it  in  chronic  sore  throat  with  free  secre- 
tion, and  in  broncorrhoea  with  good  results. 

The  general  action  of  the  remedy  is  to  increase 
waste  and  improve  nutrition. 

KUTA   GHAVEOLENS. 

(Rue.) 

Preparation.~-Pre*pa.ve  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  gtts.  j.  to 
gtts.  x.,  largely  diluted  with  water. 

Though  little  used,  this  remedy  will  be  found  to 
possess  valuable  medicinal  properties.  It  exerts  a,, 
direct  influence  upon  the  nervous  system,  relieving 
irritation  and  pain,  and  in  small  doses,  continued, 
improving  nutrition  of  the  nerve  centers.  It  acts 
upon  the  urinary  and  reproductive  apparatus,  and 
has  been  employed  with  advantage  as  a  stimulant 
to  them.  In  large  doses,  it  is  capable  of  exciting 
menorrhagia,  inflammation,  and  miscarriage.  The 
Homoeopaths  claim  that  it  is  a  remedy  "  in  eructa- 
tions of  hysteric  females ;  prolapsus  of  the  rectum, 
at  every  alvine  evacuation  ;  frequent  urging  to  uri- 
nate, with  scanty  emission,  also  of  green  urine,  or 
with  renewed  ineffectual  urging  after  micturition  ; 
gravel ;  miscarriage  ;  sterility ;  corrosive  leucor- 
rhcea  after  suppression  of  the  menses." 


SALIX   NIGRA.  205 

SABBATIA  ANNULARIS. 

(American  Centaury.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose,  gtts.  j.  to  gtts. 
xx. 

The  Sabbatia  has  had  a  considerable  reputation 
as  a  prophylactic  against  periodic  diseases,  and  in 
their  treatment — it  would  be  well  to  thoroughly 
investigate  this  action.  As  a  bitter  tonic,  it  may  be 
successfully  employed  in  atonic  states  of  the  intes- 
tinal canal  with  increased  mucous  secretion.  Prob- 
ably it  will  prove  useful  in  all  diseases  of  mucous 
membranes,  where  there  is  profuse  secretion.  It  has 
been  but  little  used  of  late,  but  it  deserves  study. 

SALIX  NIGRA. 

(Black  Willow). 

Preparation.- — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
bark,  sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  v. 
to5j. 

Whilst  this,  as  well  as  other  varieties  of  the  wil- 
low, possess  feeble  tonic  and  antiperiodic  proper- 
ties, there  are  so  many  better  remedies  of  this  class 
that  it  would  be  well  to  dispense  with  its  use  alto- 
gether, had  it  no  other  action.  But  there  is  a  class 
of  cases  in  which  the  Salix  is  a  very  decided  anti- 
periodic,  and  if  these  can  be  distinguished,  the  rem- 
edy will  be  valuable.  I  believe  it  is  in  those  in 
which  there  is  increased  secretion  from  mucous 
membranes,  and  especially  where  there  is  the  septic 


206  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

tendenc}^  marked  by  fetid  discharges,  foul  tongue, 
etc.  In  typhoid  disease  it  may  be  employed  both 
as  a  tonic  and  antiseptic,  using  the  smaller  dose 
named.  The  remedy  is  easily  prepared,  and  may 
well  replace  some  inferior  articles  that  have  hitherto 
been  employed. 

SALVIA  OFFICINALIS. 

(Sage.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant  when  in  flower  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Pose  from  gtts.  j.  to  gtts.  xx. 

The  Sage  exerts  a  specific  tonic  influence  on  the 
skin,  and  to  a  less  extent  upon  the  kidneys  and 
mucous  membranes.  It  is  not  an  active  remedy, 
and  hence  too  much  must  not  be  expected  from  it. 
We  employ  it  where  the  skin  is  soft  and  relaxed, 
with  an  enfeebled  circulation  and  cold  extremities. 
In  the  treatment  of  colliquative  perspiration  it  an- 
swers an  excellent  purpose,  if  the  condition  above 
is  maintained.  If,  however,  the  night  sweat  is  pre- 
ceded with  hectic  fever,  and  a  dry,  harsh  skin,  it 
will  be  useless. 

It  will  prove  a  good  remedy  in  increased  secre- 
tion of  urine  of  low  specific  gravity ;  in  such  cases 
it  may  be  associated  with  Belladonna.  It  may  also 
be  associated  with  the  bitter  tonics  in  all  cases  in 
which  there  is  atony  and  increased  secretion  from 
mucous  membranes. 


SAMBUCUS    CANADENSIS.  207 

SAMBUCUS  CANADENSIS. 

(Elder.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
inner  bark  of  the  Elder,  Sviij,  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj. 
Dose  gtts.  ij.  to  gtts.  x. 

The  Elder  is  a  stimulant  to  all  the  excretory  or- 
gans increasing  secretion.  It  may  be  employed  for 
the  general  purposes  of  an  alterative— increasing- 
waste,  in  syphilis,  scrofula,  and  other  diseases  at- 
tended by  deposits  or  depravation  of  tissues.  It  is 
especially  useful  in  these  cases  where  there  is  an 
oedematous  condition,  or  fullness  of  tissue  from  an 
increased  amount  of  water.  We  meet  a  case  of 
chronic  disease  occasionally,  in  which  the  tissues  are 
full  and  flabby,  evidently  from  too  much  water  ;  in 
these  Sambucus  is  a  good  remedy.  It  may  be  em- 
ployed in  dropsy,  though  its  action  is  not  so  decided 
as  the  Apocynum. 

As  a  local  application  the  Sambucus  is  specific  to 
those  eruptions  that  arise  on  full  tissues  (as  above), 
and  are  attended  with  abundant  serous  discharge. 
Thus  in  some  forms  of  eczema,  especially  eczema 
infantilis  or  milk  scall,  and  in  the  above  form  of  the 
disease,  it  will  alone  effect  a  cure.  We  also  employ 
it  in  indolent  ulcers,  with  soft  oedematous  borders, 
and  serous  secretion,  and  in  mucous  patches  with 
free  secretion.  An  ointment  is  prepared  by  sim- 
mering the  inner  bark  in  fresh  butter  (old  style),  or 
a  grycerole  may  be  made,  with  the  addition  of  the 
usual  quantity  of  starch. 


208  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

SANGUINAKLA  CANADENSIS. 

(Blood  Root.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
dried  root,  Sviij,  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  a 
fraction  of  a  drop  to  live  drops.  Nitrate  of  San- 
guinarina  is  a  valuable  preparation,  and  may  be  dis- 
pensed in  syrup,  in  the  proportion  of  grs.  ij.  to  §j. 
Dose,  gtts.  x.  to  5j. 

In  full  doses  we  employ  the  Sanguinaria  as  a 
stimulant  to  mucous  membranes.  This  use  is  valu- 
able in  bronchitis  with  increased  secretion,  and  in 
atonic  conditions  of  stomach  and  bowels  with  in- 
creased secretion  of  mucus.  In  minute  doses  we 
employ  it  in  cases  of  cough  with  dryness  of  the 
throat  and  air  passages,  feeling  of  constriction  in 
the  chest,  difficult  and  asthmatic  breathing,  with 
sensation  of  pressure.  In  the  same  doses  it  is  a 
stimulant  to  the  vegetative  system  of  nerves,  and 
under  its  use  there  is  an  improvement  in  the  circu- 
lation, in  nutrition,  and  secretion. 

As  a  remedy  in  diseases  of  the  respiratory  tract, 
I  prefer  the  Nitrate  of  Sanguinarina  to  the  tincture. 

SANICULA  MARILANDICA. 

(Sanicle.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
root  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose  from  gtts.  ij.  to  gtts.  xx. 

The  Sanicula  has  had  considerable  reputation  as 
a  domestic  remedy,  and  like  most  of  them  it  has 


SARRACENIA   PURPUREA.  209 

been  employed  for  very  different  purposes.  It  evi- 
dently exerts  a  direct  influence  upon  the  nervous 
system,  relieving  irritation,  and  this  probably  ex- 
tends to  the  sympathetic.  It  would  be  well  to  give 
it  a  trial  in  those  cases  in  which  there  is  enfeebled 
function  with  nervous  irritability. 

SARRACENIA  PURPUREA. 

(SARRACENIA.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  in  the  proportion  of  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj. 
Dose  from  gtts.  j.  to  gtts  xx. 

The  experiments  of  Dr.  Porcher,  of  South  Caro- 
lina, showed  that  it  exerted  a  marked  influence  on 
the  sympathetic.  From  a  large  dose  there  was 
congestion  of  the  head,  with  irregularity  of  the 
heart's  action,  lasting  several  days.  Following  this 
first  effect,  the  general  vigor  of  the  digestive  appa- 
ratus was  increased,  and  the  appetite  was  unusually 
active.  It  is  claimed  that  it  has  been  successfully 
employed  in  chlorosis,  and  other  diseases  of  a  simi- 
lar character. 

It  was  introduced  to  the  notice  of  the  profession 
by  Dr.  W.  Morris,  of  Halifax,  in  1861,  as  an  anti- 
dote to  the  virus  of  smallpox.  He  made  the  fol- 
lowing statements  in  a  letter  to  the  American  Medi- 
cal Times: 

"  Sir — You  have  by  this  time,  in  all  probability, 

heard  something  of  an  extraordinary  discovery  for 

the.  cure  of  smallpox,  by  the  use  of  *  Sarracenia 

Purpurea,'  or  Indian  cup,  a  native  plant  of  Nova 

18 


210  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

Scotia.  I  would  beg  of  you,  however,  to  give  full 
publicity  to  the  astonishing  fact,  that  this  same 
humble  bog-plant  of  Nova  Scotia  is  the  remedy  for 
smallpox,  in  all  its  forms,  in  twelve  hours  after  the 
patient  has  taken  the  medicine.  It  is  also  as  curious 
as  it  is  wonderful  that,  however  alarming  and 
numerous  the  eruptions,  or  confluent  and  frightful 
they  may  be,  the  peculiar  action  of  the  medicine  is 
such  that  very  seldom  is  a  scar  left  to  tell  the  story 
of  the  disease.  I  will  not  enter  upon  a  physiologi- 
cal analysis  now  ;  it  will  be  sufficient  for  my  pur- 
pose to  state,  that  it  cures  the  disease  as  no  other 
medicine  does — not  by  stimulating  functional  re- 
agency,  but  by  actual  contact  with  the  virus  in  the 
blood,  rendering  it  inert  and  harmless ;  and  this  I 
gather  from  the  fact  that  if  either  the  vaccine  or 
variolous  matter  be  washed  with  the  infusion  of 
the  Sarracenia,  they  are  deprived  of  their  conta- 
gious properties.  The  medicine,  at  the  same  time, 
is  so  mild  to  the  taste,  that  it  may  be  mixed  largely 
with  tea  or  coffee,  as  I  have  done,  and  given  to 
connoisseurs  in  these  beverages  to  drink,  without 
their  being  aware  of  the  admixture.  Strange,  how- 
ever, to  say,  it  is  scarcely  two  years  since  science 
and  the  medical  world  were  utterly  ignorant  of  this 
great  boon  of  Providence ;  and  it  would  be  dishon- 
orable in  me  not  to  acknowledge  that  had  it  not 
been  for  the  discretion  of  Mr.  John  Thomas  Lane, 
of  Lanespark,  County  Tipperary,  Ireland,  late  of 
Her  Majesty's  Imperial  Customs  of  Nova  Scotia,  to 
whom  the  Mec-Mac  Indians  had   given  the  plant, 


SARRACENIA  PURPUREA.  211 

the  world  would  not  now  be  in  possession  of  the 
secret.  Kb  medical  man  before  me  had  ever  put 
this  medicine  upon  trial,  but  in  1861,  when  the 
whole  Province  of  Kbva  Scotia  was  in  a  panic,  and 
patients  were  dying  at  the  rate  of  twelve  and  a  half 
per  cent.,  from  May  to  August,  Mr.  Lane,  in  the 
month  of  May,  placed  the  '  Sarracenia '  in  my 
hands  to  decide  upon  its  merits  ;  and,  after  my 
trials  then  and  since,  I  have  been  convinced  of  its 
astonishing  efficacy.  The  only  functional  influence 
it  seems  to  have,  is  in  promoting  the  flow  of  urine, 
which  soon  becomes  limpid  and  abundant,  and  this 
is  owing  perhaps  to  the  defecated  poison  or  changed 
virus  of  the  disease  exclusively  escaping  through 
that  channel.  The  '  Sarracenia/  I  have  reason  to 
believe  a  powerful  antidote  for  all  contagious  dis- 
eases, lepra,  measles,  varicella,  plague,  contagious 
typhus,  and  even  syphilis,  also  a  remedy  in  jaun- 
dice. 1  am  strongly  inclined  to  think  it  will  one 
day  play  an  important  part  in  all  these." 

This  report  was  confirmed  by  Dr.  Herbert  Miles, 
of  the  British  Army,  and  Captain  Hardy  of  the 
Royal  Artillery.  The  evidence  in  its  favor  from 
physicians  and  residents  of  Sbva  Scotia  would 
seem  to  be  complete,  that  the  Sarracenia  has  a 
direct  prophylactic  influence,  and  a  direct  and 
prompt  curative  action  when  the  disease  is  devel- 
oped. 

The  remedy,  however,  has  been  thoroughly  tried 
by  a  number  of  physicians  in  the  United  States,  and 
by  physicians  in  private  practice,  and  in  the  hospi- 


212  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

tals  in  England,  with  the  report  that  if  not  entirely 
inert,  it  has  no  such  antidotal  power  as  has  been 
ascribed  to  it.  The  evidence  against  it  is  just  as 
positive  as  that  in  its  favor. 

What  conclusion  can  we  come  to  then?  The 
only  way  we  can  reconcile  these  opposing  state- 
ments is,  that  the  same  agent  was  not  employed  in 
both  cases.  In  Nova  Scotia,  where  the  plant  is 
abundant,  we  may  suppose  it  was  used  fresh;  in  the 
United  States  and  in  England,  it  was  dried  and  so 
old  that  it  had  lost  its  medical  properties.  I  am 
confirmed  in  this  opinion  by  my  experience.  Wish- 
ing to  try  this  remedy,  I  obtained  three  samples, 
and  neither  of  these  possessed  in  the  least  degree 
the  physical  properties  attributed  to  Sarracenia. 
When  fresh,  it  is  bitter  and  astringent,  leaving  a 
somewhat  pungent  impression  on  the  fauces.  The 
specimens  I  obtained  had  no  taste. 

In  order  to  give  the  remedy  a  fair  trial,  let  us 
have  it  prepared  from  the  fresh  root,  obtained  at 
the  proper  season.  If  an  antidote  to  smallpox,  its 
value  can  not  be  over-estimated ;  if  it  only  exerts 
the  influence  over  the  sympathetic  first  named,  it 
will  prove  a  valuable  remedy. 

SCUTELLARIA  LATERIFLORA. 

(Skullcap.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb,  gathered  whilst  in  flower,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.     Dose,  from  gtt.  j.  to  gtts.  xx. 


SECALE   CORNUTUM.  213 

We  have  here  another  remedy  that  loses  its 
medical  properties  by  drying,  until  by  age  they  are 
entirely  dissipated.  I  have  seen  specimens  furnished 
physicians  by  the  drug  trade  that  were  wholly 
worthless — no  wonder  they  were  disappointed  in  its 
action. 

The  Scutellaria  exerts  a  direct  influence  upon  the 
cerebro-spinal  centers,  controlling  irritation.  It  is 
possible  that  it  may  also  exert  a  tonic  influence, 
favoring  nutrition.  It  has  been  employed  with  suc- 
cess in  chorea,  convulsions,  epilepsy,  mania,  etc., 
and  especially  in  hysteria,  monomania,  and  that  un- 
defined condition  that  we  call  "  nervousness."  I 
value  the  remedy  highly,  but  only  recommend  it 
when  prepared  from  the  fresh  plant  as  above. 

SECALE  CORNUTUM. 

(Ergot.) 

Preparation.  —  Prepare  a  tincture  from  recent 
Ergot  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose  from  the  frac- 
tion of  a  drop  to  5j.  (Ergot  loses  its  properties 
with  age,  and  it  is  essential,  if  we  wish  its  specific 
action,  that  the  tincture  be  prepared  from  the  grains 
of  the  present  season.) 

The  Ergot  may  be  taken  as  the  type  of  a  specific 
medicine.  Its  action  on  the  uterus,  when  fresh  and 
good  is  so  certain  and  decided,  that  no  one  can  fail 
to  see  that  at  least  one  remedy  acts  directly.  It  is 
true,  that  there  have  been  many  failures  in  obtain- 
ing this  action,  but  this  can  be  attributed  to  worth- 
less  medicine ;  a  large  amount  of  that  furnished 


214  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

physicians  from  drug-houses  being  inert  from  age. 

Ergot  may  be  employed  in  two  ways,  to  facilitate 
labor.  In  quite  small  doses,  say — 1^  Tincture  of 
Ergot,  5j. ;  Water,  5ij. ;  a  teaspoonful  every  half 
hour  or  hour,  it  exerts  a  stimulant  influence, 
strengthening  uterine  contractions,  and  aiding  dila- 
tation of  the  os.  It  is  especially  useful  in  those 
cases  in  which  there  is  a  feeble  circulation,  with 
pufhness  of  face,  and  oedema  of  the  feet — among 
the  worst  cases  we  are  called  to  treat.  Associated 
with  small  doses  of  Lobelia,  it  is  an  admirable  rem- 
edy in  rigidity,  the  os  being  thick  and  doughy. 
Its  common  use  in  large  doses,  in  the  second  stage 
of  labor,  is  so  well  known  that  it  need  not  be  de- 
scribed. 

We  employ  Ergot  in  small  doses,  in  the  latter 
months  of  gestation,  when  there  are  false  pains, 
with  weight  and  pressure  in  the  pelvis,  fullness  of 
labia  with  uneasiness,  oedema,  and  especially  if 
there  is  dullness  and  hebetude,  with  tendency  to 
coma.  In  these  cases  no  remedy  will  give  greater 
satisfaction. 

Ergot  is  a  spinal  stimulant,  and  influences  the 
vegetative  system  of  nerves.  In  some  respects  its 
action  is  similar  to  Belladonna,  especially  upon  the 
circulation.  ISTot  unfrequently,  we  find  it  necessary 
to  alternate  them  in  order  to  maintain  this  influence. 

In  auy  case,  marked  by  an  enfeebled  capillary 
circulation,  with  tendency  to  congestion,  especially 
of  the  nervous  centers,  Ergot  may  be  prescribed 
with  advantage. 


SCROPHULARIA    MARILANDICA.  215 

This  stimulant  influence  upon  the  spinal-cord  and 
sympathetic  is  manifested  in  contraction  of  non- 
striated  muscular  liber.  Hence  Ergot  becomes  an 
important  remedy  in  hemorrhage  when  dependent 
upon  atony. 

SCILLA    MARITIME 
(Squill.) 

Preparation.  —  Prepare  a  tincture  rroni  the  bulb 
gviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.    Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to  gtts.  x. 

In  the  larger  dose,  the  Squill  is  a  stimulant  to 
mucous  membranes,  especially  those  of  the  air  pas- 
sages, and  may  be  employed  to  check  profuse  secre- 
tion. In  minute  doses  it  relieves  irritation  of 
mucous  tissues  and  stimulates  secretion. 

In  dropsy,  presenting  a  dry,  harsh  skin,  parched 
tongue,  fevered  lips,  and  contraction  of  features, 
the  Squill  may  be  employed  as  a  diuretic.  In  the 
majority  of  cases  it  has  been  used*  with  Digitalis, 
the  dose  being  large,  but  it  then  proved  beneficial 
in  the  opposite  class  of  cases — where  the  circula- 
tion was  feeble. 

Though  it  has  been  so  extensively  employed,  it 
needs  to  be  re-studied. 

SCROPHULARIA    MARILANDICA. 

(FlGWORT.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  leaves 
and  root,  gviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts. 
v.  to  gtts.  xx. 


216  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

The  Scrophularia  stimulates  waste  and  excretion, 
and  is  probably  as  certain  in  its  action  as  any  of  our 
vegetable  alteratives.  Beyond  this  it  seems  to  exert 
a  marked  influence  in  promoting  the  removal  of 
cacoplastic  deposits.  We  employ  it  in  scrofula,  in 
secondary  syphilis,  in  chronic  inflammation  with 
exudation  of  material  of  low  vitality,  and  in  chronic 
skin  diseases.  In  the  latter  case  it  is  frequently 
used  as  a  local  application,  as  well  as  an  internal 
remedy. 

It  exerts  an  influence  upon  the  urinary  and  re- 
productive organs,  and  has  been  employed  in  some 
obscure  affections  of  these  with  advantage.  Still  it 
is  feeble  and  slow,  and  too  much  must  not  be  ex- 
pected from  it. 

SENECIO   AUREUS. 
(Life  Root.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb  and  root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from 
gtt.  j.  to  gtts.  x.  (Much  disappointment  has  been 
experienced  from  the  purchase  of  the  crude  article 
when  old,  and  from  worthless  preparations.  I 
would  advise  the  practitioner,  when  it  can  be  ob- 
tained, to  prepare  his  own  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant.) 

The  Senecio  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon  the 
reproductive  organs  of  the  female,  and  to  a  less 
extent  upon  the  male.  It  relieves  irritation  and 
strengthens  functional  activity.     Hence  it  has  ac- 


SILPHIUM   PERFOLIATUM.  217 

quired  the  reputation  of  a  "  uterine  tonic."  It  may 
be  prescribed  in  all  cases  in  which  there  is  an  atonic 
condition  of  ovaries  or  uterus,  with  derangement 
of  function.  It  makes  little  difference  whether  it 
is  anienorrhcea,  dysmenorrhea  or  monorrhagia,  or 
whether  it-takes  the  form  of  increased  mucous  or 
purulent  secretion,  or  displacement.  The  remedy 
acts  slowly,  and  sufficient  time  must  be  given. 

In  the  male  we  prescribe  it  in  cases  of  fullness 
and  weight  in  the  perineum,  dragging  sensations  in 
the  testicle,  and  difficult  or  tardy  urination.  In 
both  male  and  female  we  sometimes  use  it  with  ad- 
vantage in  painful  micturition  with  tenesmus. 

SILPHIUM   PERFOLIATUM. 

(Indian  Cup-Plant) 

Pivparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to 
gtts.  x.  in  water. 

The  action  of  this  variety  of  Silphium,  if  we 
are  to  believe  the  reports  of  the  few  who  use  it,  is 
very  direct  and  certain  upon  the  chylopoietic  vis- 
cera. It  is  claimed  that  it  is  one  of  the  best  reme- 
dies in  the  treatment  of  ague-cake,  and  congestion 
of  liver  and  spleen,  so  frequently  associated  with 
chronic  intermittents.  It  is  but  little  employed, 
but  deserves  thorough  investigation. 


19 


218  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

SILPHIUM    GUMMNIFERUM. 

(Rosin  Weed.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose,  from  gtt.  j. 
to  gtts.  x.  The  tincture  of  the  root  may  be  em- 
ployed in  some  cases  of  cough,  but  is  not  so  good 
as  from  the  plant. 

The  Rosin  Weed  exerts  a  direct  influence  upon 
the  respiratory  tract,  especially  upon  the  nerve  cen- 
ters controlling  the  function.  Its  principal  use  thus 
far  has  been  in  the  treatment  of  asthma,  in  some 
cases  of  which  its  action  has  been  very  decided.  I 
think  the  cases  in  which  it  has  proven  most  bene- 
ficial, are  those  in  which  there  is  a  spasmodic  dry 
cough,  with  sensations  of  dryness  and  constriction 
in  the  throat.  I  have  not  found  it  beneficial  in 
lymphatic  persons,  or  where  there  was  congestion 
of  mucous  membranes,  or  profuse  secretion. 

I  have  employed  it  in  the  treatment -of  cough, 
with  some  advantage,  but  can  not  specify  the  cases 
in  which  it  was  useful  or  those  in  which  it  failed. 
It  deserves  thorough  investigation,  and  will  proba- 
bly prove  a  valuable  remedy.  The  tincture  of  the 
root  has  been  furnished  the  profession  by  druggists, 
and  tlfe  want  of  success  with  it  is  no  evidence  that 
the  preparation  from  the  plant  is  not  anti-asth- 
matic. 


SODiE   HYPOSULPHIS.  219 

SODM  HYPOSULPHIS. 

(Hyposulphite  of  Soda.) 

SOD^   SULPHIS. 
(Sulphite  of  Soda.) 

It  is  well  to  procure  these  salts  of  reliable  manu- 
facturers (say  Powers  &  Weightman),  as  there  are 
many  imperfect  specimens  in  the  market.  The  first 
is  in  the  form  of  large  colorless  transparent  crystals, 
freely  soluble  in  water,  the  second  in  white  pris- 
matic crystals  soluble  in  four  parts  of  cold  water : 
a  want  of  solubility  should  cause  the  preparation 
to  be  rejected.  It  should  be  kept  tightly  corked, 
for  it  changes  by  exposure  to  the  air.  Dose,  grs. 
x.  to  grs.  xxx.  every  two  or  three  hours. 

In  the  first  part  of  this  work  (Alkalies),  will  be 
found  the  general  indication  for  the  use  of  alkaline 
salts.  They  are  very  distinct,  and  can  not  be  mis- 
taken— pallid  mucous  membranes,  and  white  coat- 
ing on  the  tongue. 

We  employ  the  Sulphite  and  Hyposulphite  of 
Soda  as  antizymotics,  where  there  are  the  indica- 
tions for  the  use  of  an  alkaline  salt  as  above.  As  a 
general  rule,  the  indications  for  these  salts  will  be — 
pallidity  of  mucous  membranes,  with  41*  thick, 
pasty,  white  or  dirty-white  fur  upon  the  tongue. 

The  influence  of  zymotic  causes  of  disease  on 
the  fluids  and  solids  is  not  well  understood,  but  we 
know  that  it  impairs  their  life,  even  if  it  does  not 
cause  more  rapid  sepsis.     In   some  cases  this  im- 


220  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

pairnient  of  vital  power  is  all  the  change  that  can 
be  noted,  retrograde  metamorphosis  progressing 
more  slowly  than  in  health  or  ordinary  disease. 
But  the  remedies  we  are  studying  are  more  than 
antiseptics  —  they  antagonize  the  zymotic  cause 
whether  it  produces  sepsis  or  not. 

In  local  diseases  from  a  zymotic  cause,  as  diph- 
theria, cynanche  maligna,  some  forms  of  catarrh 
and  influenza,  erysipelas,  surgical  fever,  etc.,  these 
remedies  exert  their  specific  action  when  locally 
employed,  as  well  as  in  their  internal  administra- 
tion. The  indications,  however,  must  be  as  named 
above — pallidity,  with  pasty  exudates  upon  tongue. 

Their  action  in  arresting  the  growth  of  micro- 
scopic fungi,  and  during  diseases  arising  from  this 
cause,  is  specific.  In  yeasty  vomiting,  presenting 
sarcina  ventriculi,  the  disease  is  speedily  checked 
by  the  Sulphites.  In  some  forms  of  apthous  sore 
mouth  and  throat,  speedy  relief  is  given  by  their 
local  application.  Some  chronic  skin  diseases  are 
rendered  very  stubborn  by  these  minute  growths, 
and  here  also  the  Sulphites  will  prove  valuable. 

SULPHUROUS   ACID. 

We  consider  the  Sulphurous  Acid  here,  rather 
than  under  the  head  of  Acids,  from  its  relations  to 
the  Sulphites  just  noticed.  We  employ  it  as  an 
anti- zymotic,  and  a  parasiticide,  and  not  for  the 
common  purposes  of  an  acid,  though  here,  as  in  the 
cases  of  the  Alkaline  Sulphites,  there  must  be  the 


SULPHUROUS  ACID.  221 

general  indications  for  an  acid,  as  there  was  with 
them  for  an  alkali. 

The  Sulphurous  Acid,  like  the  Alkaline  Sul- 
phites, specifically  antagonizes  zymotic  causes  of 
disease.  It  is  well  to  keep  in  mind  the  fact  that 
this  is  something  more  than  simply  arresting  or 
modifying  the  septic  process,  for  we  have  al- 
ready seen  that  the  zymotic  influence  frequently 
destroys  the  life  of  the*  fluids  and  solids  without 
producing  putrescency. 

We  prescribe  Sulphurous  Acid  as  an  anti-zymotic 
in  those  cases  which  present  reddened  mucous 
membranes,  with  brownish  coatings  of  tongue  and 
sordes.  Given,  the  indications  for  the  use  of  an 
anti-zymotic,  with  the  indications  for  the  use  of  an 
acid,  we  select  the  Sulphurous  Acid. 

Sulphurous  Acid  may  be  employed  in  yeasty  vom- 
iting, in  apthous  mouth  and  throat,  or  wherever  the 
presence  of  microscopic  fungi  is  suspected,  with  the 
same  certainty  as  the  Sulphite  of  Soda.  "We  also 
use  it  in  porrigo,  trichosis  of  scalp,  ptyriasis  versi- 
color, with  excellent  results.  As  a  local  application 
it  should  be  diluted  with  from  two  to  six  parts  of 
water. 

I  wish  to  call  especial  attention  to  its  use  in  some 
diseases  of  the  throat,  by  the  spray  or  atomizing 
apparatus.  In  diphtheria,  with  dark-redness  of 
mucous  membranes,  and  fullness  with  relaxation, 
there  is  no  local  remedy  equal  to  Sulphurous  Acid 
spray.  It  is  equally  beneficial  in  those  cases  of 
cynanche  maligna,  with  dark-redness    of   mucous 


222  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

membranes.  Whilst  in  ordinary  sore  throat  from 
cold,  with  dusky  discoloration,  it  offers  one  of  the 
best  local  applications  in  the  Materia  Medica. 

SOLAN UM   DULCAMARA. 

(Bittersweet). 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
twigs  gathered  in  the  fall,  when  the  leaves  have 
fallen,  gviij.  to  Alcohol  70°  Oj.  Dose,  from  gtt.  j. 
to  gtts.  X. 

The  Bittersweet  has  the  reputation  of  being  a 
good  alterative,  in  cutaneous  diseases,  syphilis, 
scrofula  and  inflammatory  deposits,  and  we  con- 
clude that  it  increases  waste  and  excretion.  It  ex- 
erts a  marked  influence  upon  the  cerebro-spinal 
centers,  when  used  in  large  doses,  but  this  has  not 
been  studied. 

I  would  advise  the  employment  of  the  remedy  in 
small  doses  in  those  cases  of  chronic  disease  in 
which  the  circulation  is  feeble,  the  hands  and  feet 
cold  and  purplish,  with  fullness  of  tissues  and  ten- 
dency to  oedema.  I  do  not  know  that  it  will  prove 
better  than  other  remedies,  but  it  deserves  investi- 
gation. 

SPONGIA  USTA. 
(Burnt  Sponge). 

Take  of  ordinary  sponge  a  sufficient  quantity,  cut 
it  in  pieces,  and  burn  it  in  a  close  iron  vessel  until 
it  is  brown  and  can  be  pulverized  without  much 


SPONGIA   URTA.  223 

trouble.  Now,  take  of  this  powder  four  ounces, 
pack  in  a  percolator,  and  gradually  add  Alcohol 
76°  Oj  Dose  of  the  tincture  from  the  fraction  of  a 
drop  to  5ss. 

I  give  the  formula  for  the  preparation  of  a  tinc- 
ture of  burnt  sponge,  not  because  I  think  it  pos- 
sesses all  the  properties  attributed  to  it  by  Homoeo- 
paths, but  that  it  may  be  tested.  I  have  used  it  in 
some  cases  with  seeming  advantage,  and  have  seen 
results  following  its  prescription  by  others,  that  in 
the  ordinary  use  of  medicine  we  would  call  remark- 
able cures.  A  quotation  from  Jahr's  Repertory 
will  show  the  Homoeopathic  uses  : 

"  Diseases  of  the  lymphatic  vessels  and  glands  ; 
heat,  with  dry,  hot  skiu,  thirst,  headache  and  de- 
lirium ;  redness  of  the  eyes,  with  burning  and 
lachrymation  ;  frequent  eructations,  with  cutting 
and  tearing  in  the  stomach  ;  relaxed  feeling  in  the 
stomach,  as  if  the  stomach  were  open  ;  orchitis  ;  in- 
duration of  the  testes;  pain  in  the  larynx  on  touch- 
ing it  and  turning  the  head  ;  burning  in  the  larynx 
and  trachea ;  dryness,  husky  and  hoarse  voice ;  inflam- 
mation of  the  larynx,  trachea  and  bronchi ;  croup ;  laryn- 
geal and,  tracheal  phthisis ;  cough,  deep  from  the 
chest,  with  soreness  and  burning,  or  chronic  cough 
with  yellowish  expectoration  and  hoarseness ; 
wheezing  inspirations ;  asthma  with  amenorrhoea ; 
goitre ;  hard  goitre.' 


224  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

STAPHYLEA    TRIFOLIA. 
(Bladder  Nut.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  bark  of 
the  root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts. 
v.  to  5j. 

The  Staphylea  has  been  confounded  with  the 
Ptelea,  until  we  hardly  know  whether  a  writer  in 
the  olden  times  was  describing  one  or  the  other. 
The  probabilities  are,  however,  that  the  articles  de- 
scribed by  Prof.  I.  G.  Jones,  and  valued  so  highly 
by  him  as  a  tonic,  was  the  article  under  considera- 
tion. At  least  it  would  be  well  for  some  of  our 
friends  who  know  the  article,  to  procure  specimens 
and  thoroughly  test  it. 

Dr.  Jones  claimed  that  it  was  a  pure  unirritating 
tonic,  having  a  soothing  influence  upon  mucous 
membranes.  He  employed  it  in  the  convalescence 
after  fevers  and  inflammations,  and  whenever  the 
stomach  was  feeble  and  irritable. 

STILLINGIA   SYLVATIOA. 

(Stillingia.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
dried  root,  Sviij;  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj.  Dose  from 
gtt.  j.  to  gtts  x. 

Stillingia  increases  waste  and  excretion,  but  its 
principal  action  probably  is  upon  the  lymphatic  sys- 
tem, favoring  the  formation  of  good  lymph,  hence 
good  blood  and  nutrition.  Experience  shows  that 
it  favorably  influences   the   system    in   secondary 


STILLINGIA   SYLVATICA.  225 

syphilis,  in  some  forms  of  scrofula,  and  in  cases  of 
chronic  disease  where  the  tissues  are  feeble  and  not 
readily  removed  and  renewed. 

I  believe  it  to  be  more  especially  useful  in  those 
cases  where  there  is  predominant  affection  of 
mucous  membranes,  and  secondly,  where  the  skin 
is  involved.  In  these  cases  I  have  used  the  simple 
tincture  as  above,  largely  diluted  with  water,  with 
much  better  results  than  I  have  obtained  from  any 
of  the  compounds  of  Stillingia  or  alterative  syrups. 
Evidently  in  the  ordinary  manufacture  of  "  Com- 
pound Syrup  of  Stillingia,"  the  virtues  of  Stillingia, 
if  it  has  any,  are  wholly  lost,  simply  because  water 
or  dilute  alcohol  is  not  a  proper  menstruum. 

Stillingia  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon  the 
mucous  membranes  of  the  throat,  larynx,  and  bron- 
chii,  relieving  irritation  and  favoring^iormal  nutri- 
tion and  functional  activity.  Some  cases  of  chronic 
pharyngitis  of  years'  standing,  have  been  relieved 
by  this  remedy,  after  other  treatment  had  failed. 
It  is  an  excellent  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  some 
cases  of  chronic  laryngitis,  speedily  relieving  the 
irritation  and  cough,  and  we  also  employ  it  in 
chronic  bronchitis  with  like  good  results.  Now  if 
it  is  possible  to  determine  the  class  of  cases  in 
which  it  is  thus  beneficial,  the  reader  may  use  it  with 
advantage. 

So  far  as  my  experience  extends,  they  are  those 
with  tumid,  red,  glistening  mucous  membranes, 
with  scanty  secretion.  This  condition  indeed  seems 
to  be  the  index  for  the  use  of  the  remedy  for  every 


226  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

purpose.  In  syphilis,  in  scrofula,  in  chronic  inflam- 
mation with  deposits,  the  same  red  glistening  color, 
with  scanty  secretion,  is  my  guide  to  the  use  of 
Stillingia. 

STRYOHNOS   NUX   VOMICA. 
(Nux  Vomica.) 

Preparation.  —  Prepare  a  tincture  from  freshly 
powdered  seeds,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose, 
from  the  fraction  of  a  drop  to  five  drops.  A  solu- 
tion of  Strychnia  may  be  prepared  after  the  follow- 
ing formula :  Jfy  Sulphate  of  Strychnia,  grs.  iv. ; 
Water,  §iy, ;  dose,  gtts.  v.  -^  gr.  to  gtts.  xx.  ^  gr. 

Nux  Vomica  exerts  a  specific  influence  upon  the 
intestinal  canal  and  associate  viscera  that  renders 
it  a  most  valuable  remedy. 

In  minute  doses  we  employ  it  to  arrest  nausea 
and  vomiting,  when  this  arises  from  gastric  irritabil- 
ity and  not  from  irritant  material  in  the  stomach. 
The  cases  are  those  in  which  there  is  feebleness  of 
the  organs,  and  not  where  there  is  irritation  and  in- 
flammation. For  this  purpose  we  employ  it  in 
cholera  infantum  with  marked  benefit,  and  in 
cholera  morbus  and  Asiatic  cholera  to  relieve  this 
symptom. 

It  is  the  remedy  in  all  cases  of  congestion  of  liver, 
spleen,  or  portal  circle.  Given,  a  feeling  of  fullness 
in  right  hypochondrium,  pain  in  side  or  shoulder, 
sallowness  of  face,  yellowness  of  eyes,  yellow  coat 
on  tongue,  I  prescribe  JStix  Vomica  with  a  certainty 
that  I  never  felt  in  the  olden  time. 


STRYCHNOS  NUX  VOMICA.  227 

If  an  intermittent  fever  presents  these  evidences 
of  visceral  derangement,  £Tux  Vomica  is  the  antipe- 
riodic,  or  at  least  it  prepares  the  way  for  the  kindly 
and  curative  action  of  Quinine.  In  bilious  remittent 
fevers  with  these  symptoms,  J^ux  Vomica  is  the  first 
remedy  indicated.  In  diarrhoea  with  these  symp- 
toms we  prescribe  it  with  the  certainty  that  the  dis- 
charges will  be  speedily  arrested,  and  the  stomach 
and  intestinal  canal  left  in  good  condition.  In  dys- 
pepsia with  these  symptoms,  we  obtain  speedy  and 
permanent  relief  from  the  use  of  the  remedy. 

It  is  here,  as  we  have  found  it  in  the  considera- 
tion of  other  remedies,  if  you  can  once  determine  the 
exact  indication  for  its  use,  you  may  employ  it 
whenever  you  find  these  indications,  no  matter  what 
may  be  the  name  of  the  disease,  or  the  condition  of 
the  patient  otherwise. 

The  influence  of  Kux  Vomica  and  Strychnia  upon 
the  spinal  cord  is  well  known,  and  this  seems  to  be 
its  principal  use  in  medicine.  "Whilst  I  think  it 
better,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  to  restrict  its  use 
as  above,  there  are  some  in  which  we  employ  it  for 
its  influence  upon  the  nervous  system  alone.  These 
are  : — 

In  typhoid  and  asthenic  disease,  where  there  is 
impairment  of  spinal  innervation,  and  in  conse- 
quence imperfect  or  enfeebled  respiration,  we  give 
Strychnia  or  Nux  Vomica  with  advantage.  Indeed, 
in  those  cases  in  which  the  respiratory  function  can 
only  be  carried  on  under  the  influence  of  the  will, 
it  is  the  only  remedy  we  can  rely  on. 


228  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

In  the  same  classes  of  disease,  the  tendency  to 
retention  of  urine  is  met  by  the  use  of  the  same 
remedy. 

In  some  cases  of  the  same  diseases,  where  a  feeble 
circulation  is  associated  with  general  impairment 
of  muscular  power,  and  inability  to  co-ordinate 
muscular  movement,  we  use  Eux  Vomica  with  ad- 
vantage. 

Nux  Vomica  or  Strychnia  should  never  be  em- 
ployed in  the  treatment  of  paralysis  so  long  as  any 
evidence  of  inflammatory  action  exists ;  neither 
should  it  be  used,  if  there  are  marked  evidences  of 
cerebro-spinal  congestion,  until  this  is  removed.  It 
is  the  first  remedy  employed  in  cases  of  paralysis 
presenting  the  symptoms  of  visceral  derangement  we 
have  already  named.  In  other  cases  it  is  only  em- 
ployed as  a  nerve  stimulant,  when  the  nerve  centers 
are  free  from  disease. 


SULPHUR. 

Preparation. — Prepare  Sulphur  for  dispensing,  by 
thorough  trituration  with  two  parts  of  Sugar  of 
Milk.     Dose  from  gr.  j.  to  5ss. 

We  employ  Sulphur  as  a  restorative  in  those  cases 
in  which  there  is  a  deficiency  of  this  element  in  the 
blood.  "All  the  protein-compounds  contain  Sul- 
phur, which  seems  to  be  one  of  their  essential  con- 
stituents, not  capable  of  entire  separation  without 
the  complete  destruction  of  the  organic  substance," 
(Carpenter).      There  are  few,  probably,  who  have 


SULPHUR.  229 

thought  of  Sulphur  in  this  relation  ;  they  supply 
Iron  as  the  "basis  of  red  corpuscles,  Phosphorus  for 
the  nutrition  of  the  nervous  system,  but  the  protein 
tissues  must  get  their  supply  of  Sulphur  from  the 
food,  or  do  without. 

The  indication  for  the  use  of  Sulphur  as  a  resto- 
rative is,  enfeebled  nutrition  associated  with  de- 
coloration of  tissues,  aud  secretions.  The  skin  is 
blanched,  the  iris  loses  color,  the  hair  is  lighter  in 
color  in  the  young,  changes  rapidly  to  gray  in  the 
middle  aged,  and  the  urine  is  light  colored  as  is  the 
feces.  The  presence  of  cystine  in  the  urine  is  an 
indication  for  the  administration  of  Sulphur. 

We  also  employ  Sulphur  in  those  cases  in  which 
there  is  excessive  fetor  of  the  excretions.  We  will 
occasionally  find  a  case  of  chronic  disease,  in  which 
the  breath,  the  secretion  from  the  skin,  the  urine, 
and  the  feces  have  a  peculiar  cadaverous  odor,  and 
we  notice  that  with  this  there  is  a  remarkable  ten- 
dency to  decomposition,  and  to  breaking  down  of 
tissue. 

It  is  possible  that  this  may  be  explained,  by  the 
necessity  of  Sulphur  in  the  formation  of  the  tau- 
rine of  the  bile.  If  this  secretion  of  the  liver  is 
the  normal  antiseptic,  and  controls  putrescency  in 
the  body,  we  can  see  why  a  deficiency  of  Sulphur 
may  lead  to  the  condition  above  named,  and  its  ad- 
ministration be  directly  curative. 


230  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

SYMPLOCARPUS  FCETIDUS. 

(Skunk  Cabbage.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to 
gtts.  v. 

Though  the  Skunk  Cabbage  has  been  extensively 
used,  it  has  been  in  combination  with  other  reme- 
dies, and  the  reports  are  so  vague  that  we  can  not 
estimate  its  remedial  action.  It  exerts  a  very  de- 
cided influence  upon  the  nervous  system,  relieving 
irritation  and  preventing  normal  functional  activity. 
This,  probably,  will  be  its  principal  use.  The 
remedy  deserves  to  be  thoroughly  studied. 

TANACETUM   VULGARE. 

(Tansy.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
herb  gathered  in  August,  using  oviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.  Dose  gtts.  j.  to  gtt.  xx.  As  a  local  ap- 
plication to  the  throat  use  one  part  of  the  tincture 
to  four  to  ten  parts  of  hot  water,  with, a  spray  appa- 
ratus ;  or  not  having  this,  vaporize  the  fluid  and  let 
the  patient  inhale  the  steam. 

In  small  doses  the  tincture  as  above  prepared 
will  furnish  a  cheap  and  agreeable  stomachic,  reliev- 
ing irritation  and  improving  functional  activity. 
It  exerts  a  decided  stimulant  influence  upon  the 
female  reproductive  organs,  and  may  be  employed 
in  functional  diseases  when  such  influence  is  desir- 
able. 


TELA   ARANE^:.  231 

As  a  local  application  by  spray  or  inhalation,  it  is 
a  very  valuable  remedy  in  the  treatment  of  diph- 
theria, and  some  forms  of  acute  inflammation  of 
the  throat,  and  in  epidemic  catarrh.  I  have  em- 
ployed it  in  these  cases  with  most  marked  advan- 
tage, and  value  it  very  highly. 

TARAXACUM   DENS   LEONIS. 
(Dandelion.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root  gathered  in  July  or  August,  sviij.  to  Alcohol 
76°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  oss. 

The  Taraxacum  loses  its  medical  properties  by 
drying,  hence  that  usually  supplied  by  the  drug- 
trade  is  wholly  inert.  Prepared  as  above,  it  will 
prove  a  valuable  remedy. 

It  exerts  a  stimulant  influence  upon  the  entire 
gastro-intestinal  tract,  promoting  functional  activity. 
Whilst  its  action  is  feeble,  it  is  very  certain,  and 
will  frequently  prove  more  desirable  than  the  more 
active  remedies. 

TELA   ARANE^]. 
(Spider's  Web.) 

From  the  web  of  the  common  house  spider,  pre- 
pare a  tincture  by  macerating  §ij.  in  Alcohol  98°  Oj. 
for  ten  days.     Dose,  gtt.  j.  to  gtts.  x. 

It  is  claimed  to  be  a  very  certain  remedy  in  the 
cure  of  intermittents.  I  give  a  formula  for  its 
preparation,  that  it  may  be  tested.     The  tincture  of 


232  SPECIFIC    MEDICATION. 

the  Aranea  Diadema  is  employed  in  Germany  by 
some  Homoeopaths,  and  cases  reported  in  which  the 
cure  was  speedy  and  permanent. 

THUJA  OCCIDENTALIS. 
(Arbor  Vit^e.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
leaves,  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj  Dose  from  gtt.  j. 
to  gtts.  XX. 

The  leaves  of  the  Arbor  Vitse  has  been  a  popular 
remedy  in  the  treatment  of  intermittent  and  re- 
mittent fever,  rheumatism,  scurvy,  etc.  It  would 
be  well  for  some  of  our  practitioners  to  prepare  a 
tincture  and  test  it. 

TRIFOLIUM  PRATENSE. 
(Red  Clover.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recently 
dried  blossoms  of  Ked  Clover,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50° 
Oj.     Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to  gtts.  x. 

The  Red  Clover  exerts  a  specific  influence  in 
some  cases  of  whooping  cough,  and  in  the  cough 
of  measles.  It  is  not  curative  in  all,  but  when  it 
does  good,  the  benefit  is  speedy  and  permanent. 
It  may  also  be  prescribed  in  other  cases  of  spasmodic 
cough,  in  laryngitis,  bronchitis  and  phthisis.  We 
should  be  able  to  tell  the  exact  condition  where  it 
proves  beneficial,  and  where  it  fails,  but  thus  far  the 
use  has  been  wholly  empirical.  In  the  farther  use 
of  the  remedy  all  the  symptoms   should  be  noted. 


URTICA   DIOICA.  233 

It  has    given  much  satisfaction  thus   far,  and   is 
likely  to  prove  a  very  valuable  remedy. 

TRILLIUM   PENDULUM. 

(Bethroot.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
root,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtt.  j.  to 
gtts.  x. 

The  common  use  of  Trillium  in  large  doses  ob- 
tained its  astringent  influence,  possibly  from  the 
tannin  it  eontaius.  The  preparation  from  the  fresh 
root  named  above,  is  but  slightly  astringent. 

We  would  employ  it  in  disease  of  mucous  mem- 
branes with  increased  secretion,  and  expect  decided 
benefit.  In  the  earlier  part  of  my  practice  I  used 
Trillium  in  chronic  bronchitis,  in  chronic  catarrh, 
in  cough  with  free  expectoration,  with  excellent  re- 
sults. It  needs  to  be  thoroughly  studied,  and  it  will 
probably  supply  a  want  in  our  Materia  Medica. 

URTICA   DIOICA. 

(Common  Nettle.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
plant,  Sviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose  from  gtts.  j. 
to  gtts.  x. 

The  Urtica  has  been  employed  in  some  diseases 

of  the  bowels,  with  reported  good  results.     An  old 

practitioner  informs  me,  that  in  chronic  disease  of 

the  large  intestine  with  increased  mucous  secretion, 

20 


234  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

he  has  never  found  anything  so  beneficial  as  this 
remedy.  It  has  also  been  used  in  diseases  of  the 
urinary  organs.  \ 

It  is  now  but  little  used,  but  deserves  investiga- 
tion. 

VALERIANA    OFFICINALIS. 
(Valerian.) 

Preparation, — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  root  (as 
recent  as  can  be  obtained),  gviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj. 
JDose  from  gtts.  ij.  to  gtts.  xx. 

Valerian  is  a  cerebral  stimulant,  and  may  be  em- 
ployed wherever  a  remedy  of  this  character  is  indi- 
cated. It  allays  nervous  irritability,  modifies  or 
arrests  pain,  promotes  rest,  and  favors  sleep,  where 
these  conditions  result  from  an  enfeebled  cerebral 
circulation.  It  is  very  extensively  used,  and  many 
times  without  benefit,  as  the  condition  of  the  ner- 
vous centers  is  very  rarely  taken  into  consideration. 

VERATRUM  VIRIDE. 

(Veratrum.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
root,  not  fully  dried,  oviij.  to  Alcohol  76°  Oj.  Dose 
from  the  fraction  of  a  drop  to  three  drops.  Vera- 
trum from  Western  New  York  furnishes  an  excel- 
lent remedy,  as  is  that  from  North  Carolina  aud 
Northern  Georgia.  Specimens  I  have  seen  from 
the  Western  States  were  worthless.  The  root 
should  be  dug  in  August  or  September,  freed  from 


VERATRUM.  235 

dirt,  and  dried  sufficiently  to  permit  of  shipment 
to  the  place  of  manufacture.  Now,  it  should  be 
immediately  crushed,  and  the  year's  supply  of  tinc- 
ture prepared. 

As  commonly  prepared  for  the  drug  trade,  (Nor- 
wood's excepted),  it  is  made  of  the  dried  root  kept 
in  stock  from  year  to  year,  and  possesses  very  feeble, 
if  any  medical  properties.  In  this  case,  as  with 
some  other  remedies,  the  process  of  drying  destroys 
that  finer  medical  action  upon  which  we  depend  to 
influence  the  sympathetic  nervous  system. 

We  employ  the  Veratrum  to  lessen  the  frequency 
of  the  heart's  action.  When  properly  used  it  not 
only  lessens  the  frequency  of  the  pulse,  but  it  re- 
moves obstruction  to  the  free  circulation  of  the 
blood,  and  thus  gives  slowness,  regularity,  freedom, 
and  an  equal  circulation  in  all  parts  of  the  body. 
This  action  we  call  arterial  sedation,  though  the 
name  is  not  a  good  one. 

To  obtain  this  action  it  is  necessary  that  the 
remedy  be  used  in  small  doses,  frequently  repeated, 
and  that  sufficient  time  be  given  to  accomplish  the 
object  without  disturbing  function  or  producing 
depression. 

Veratrum  is  sedative  in  large  doses,  and  its  influ- 
ence upon  the  heart  may  be  speedily  obtained  in 
this  way.  But  in  this  case  its  influence  is  depress- 
ing. It  evidently  causes  slowness  of  the  pulse  by 
paralyzing  the  cardiac  nerves.  If  the  influence  is 
continued  there  is  impairment  of  the  circulation, 
with   tendency  to  congestion.     As  a  general  rule, 


236  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

the  influence  of  large  doses  can  not  be  maintained ; 
either  the  remedy  produces  irritation  of  the 
stomach,  so  that  it  will  no  longer  be  tolerated,  or 
its  depressing  influence  upon  the  circulation  becomes 
so  great  that  it  must  be  suspended.  . 

In  small  doses  the  Veratrum  is  a  stimulant  to  all 
the  vegetative  processes.  Acting  through  the  sym- 
pathetic or  ganglionic  system  of  nerves,  it  removes 
obstruction  to  the  capillary  circulation,  gives  tone 
to  the  vascular  system,  and  strength  to  the  heart. 
As  the  obstacles  to  a  free  circulation  are  removed, 
and  the  vessels  through  which  the  blood  is  distrib- 
uted and  returned,  regain  their  normal,  condition, 
there  is  less  necessity  for  increased  action  upon  the 
part  of  the  heart ;  and  as  the  power  of  the  heart  is 
increased,  there  is  less  necessity  for  frequent  con- 
traction. 

I  give  this  as  a  theory  of  the  action  of  Veratrum, 
but  whether  true  or  not,  there  is  no  question  with 
regard  to  the  facts  as  abgve  stated. 

Veratrum  is  the  remedy  for  sthenia,  where  there 
is  a  frequent  but  free  circulation.  It  is  also  the 
remedy  where  there  is  an  active  capillary  circula- 
tion, both  in  fever  and  inflammation.  A  full  and 
bounding  pulse,  a  full  and  hard  pulse,  and  a  corded 
or  wiry  pulse,  if  associated  with  inflammation  of 
serous  tissues,  call  for  this  remedy. 

As  was  remarked  when  describing  Aconite,  the 
Veratrum  exerts  a  similar  influence  in  acute  inflam- 
mation, and  directly  controls  the  inflammatory  pro- 
cess in   its  first  stages.     As  a  rule,  the  remedies 


VERATRUM.  237 

that  will  cure  fever  will  cure  inflammation.  To 
this  I  believe  there  are  no  exceptions,  if  a  proper 
diagnosis  is  made,  and  we  are  governed  by  the  same 
indications  for  prescribing.  Aconite,  Yeratrum, 
Gelseminum,  Belladonna,  E"ux  Vomica,  Quinia,  and 
other  direct  remedies,  may  be  prescribed  with  the 
same  certainty  in  inflammation  as  in  fever.  There 
is  the  same  necessity  for  securing  a  good  condition 
of  stomach  and  upper  intestine  for  digestion,  and 
giving  proper  food.  The  same  necessity  for  secur- 
ing normal  waste  and  excretion,  and  having  the  tis- 
sues renewed  from  good  blood.  The  pallid  tongue 
calls  for  alkalies,  the  dark  redness  of  mucous  mem- 
branes for  acids,  the  pasty  white  coat  for  the  sul- 
phites, etc. 

My  experience  teaches  me  that  local  inflamma- 
tions are  reached  directly  by  this  direct  medication, 
and  with  a  certainty  a  hundred  times  greater  than 
by  the  old  routine  of  internal  and  external  counter- 
irritation.  It  makes  no  difference  where  its  loca- 
tion, how  great  or  how  little,  the  treatment  is  ex- 
actly the  same  as  for  a  fever  presenting  the  same 
symptoms  or  indications  for  remedies. 

It  must  not  be  expected  that  the  indications  for 
remedies  will  be  as  pronounced  in  the  case  of  in- 
flammation as  in  fever,  but  they  are  always  suffi- 
cient. 

I  have  treated  inflammation  of  the  lungs  with 
Veratrum  alone,  Yeratrum  with  Gelseminum,  Yera- 
trum with  Ipecac,  Ipecac  alone,  Aconite  alone,  with 
a  success  I  nevpr  saw  obtained  from  the  use  of  nau- 


238  SPECIFIC  MEDICATION. 

seants  and  counter-irritation.  Other  cases  required 
the  use  of  the  Sulphites,  of  Quinia,  or  the  mineral 
acids.  I  am  not  alone  in  this  experience,  for  scores 
of  our  more  recent  students,  who  have  learned  this 
practice  in  lectures,  give  testimony  to  its  success. 

The  local  application  of  Veratrum,  in  the  early 
stages  of  a  superficial  inflammation,  will  not  {infre- 
quently arrest  its  progress.  In  this  way  we  use  it 
in  erysipelas,  in  phlegmous  inflammation  of  cellular 
tissue,  in  felons,  diseases  of  the  bones,  tonsilitis,  etc. 

"We  employ  Veratrum  in  the  treatment  of  chronic 
disease  for  its  stimulant  influence  upon  the  vegeta- 
tive processes.  Properly  used,  we  find  that  it  lessens 
the  frequency  of  the  pulse,  giving  a  free  and  uni- 
form circulation  ;  it  lessens  the  temperature  ;  it  in- 
creases waste  and  excretion ;  and  finally  it  stimu- 
lates digestion  and  nutrition. 

My  friend,  Prof.  Howe,  regards  it  as  one  of  the 
most  direct  and  certain  "  Alteratives  "  in  the  Mate- 
ria Medica,  and  in  this  opinion  he  is  supported  by  a 
large  number  of  practitioners.  If  the  remedy  has 
the  action  above  named,  we  can  readily  see  how  it 
favorably  influences  chronic  disease,  and  how  fre- 
quently it  may  be  employed  with  advantage. 


VEKBASCUM  THAPSUS. 

(Mullein.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  fresh 
tops  and  smaller  leaves  when  the  plant  is  in  flower, 
Sviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.     Dose  from  gtts.  v.  to  5j- 


VIBURNUM   PRUNIFOLIUM.  239 

The  Verbascurn  exerts  a  mild  influence  upon  the 
nervous  system,  quieting  irritation  and  promoting 
sleep.  It  also  allays  bronchial  irritation,  and  checks 
cough.    It  is  very  feeble,  and  has  but  a  limited  use. 

VIBURNUM   OPULUS. 
(High  Cranberry.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
bark,  gviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose,  from  gtts.  v. 
to  gtts.  xx. 

The  Viburnum  has  been  employed  as  an  anti- 
spasmodic with  reported  success,  hence  its  name, 
cramp  bark.  If  we  are  to  be  guided  by  the  descrip- 
tions of  our  earlier  practitioners,  we  would  conclude 
that  it  exerted  a  direct  influence  in  controlling 
spinal  irritation,  and  spasmodic  action  arising  from 
this.  I  have  never  used  it,  though  I  think  it  worthy 
a  trial. 

VIBURNUM   PRUNIFOLIUM. 
(Black  Haw.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  recent 
bark  of  the  root,  gviij.  to  Alcohol  50°  Oj.  Dose 
from  gtts.  v.  to  gtts.  xx. 

It  is  claimed  in  the  Southern  States  that  the 
Viburnum  is  a  specific  against  abortion.  I  have 
been  told  by  several  parties,  that  it  was  a  common 
practice  among  planters  to  make  their  slaves  drink 
an  infusion  of  the  Viburnum  daily  whilst  preg- 
nant, to  prevent  abortion  from  taking  the  Cotton- 


240  SPECIFIC   MEDICATION. 

root.  A  physician  from  Texas  assured  me,  that 
from  an  observation  of  fifteen  years,  he  was  confi- 
dent that  it  exerted  this  influence,  and  that  he  had 
prescribed  it  in  many  cases  without  a  failure. 

If  it  exerts  this  influence  upon  the  uterus,  it  will 
prove  a  valuable  remedy,  not  only  as  anti-abortive, 
but  in  diseases  of  the  reproductive  organs. 

XANTHOXYLUM   FRAXINEUM. 

(Prickly  Ash.) 

Preparation. — Prepare  a  tincture  from  the  berries, 
Sviij.  to  Alcohol  98°  Oj.  Dose  from  the  fraction  of 
a  drop  to  five  drops. 

The  Xanthoxylum  has  been  employed  as  a  diffu- 
sible and  topical  stimulant.  Its  general  stimulant 
action  is  not  very  marked,  and  there  are  many 
other  remedies  preferable.  But  as  a  stimulant  to 
mucous  tissues  it  has  no  equal  in  the  Materia 
Medica.  Whenever  it  is  desirable  to  obtain  such 
influence,  whether  of  the  throat,  the  gastrointesti- 
nal tract,  the  mucous  membranes  of  the  air-passages, 
or  of  the  urinary  organs,  we  are  rarely  disappointed 
in  its  action.  Upon  the  throat,  the  stomach,  and 
upon  the  intestines,  it  exerts  a  topical  influence  be- 
fore absorption. 

In  small  doses  we  occasionally  employ  it  in 
chronic  diseases  of  mucous  surfaces,  with  good  re- 
sults. The  cases  are  as  above,  when  the  mucous 
membranes  are  enfeebled  and  relaxed,  with  hyper- 
secretion. 


INDEX. 


Analysis  of  Disease , 11 

Administration  of  Medicines 24 

Atony  of  Stomach.. 40 

Alkaline  Sulphites 47 

Abies  Canadensis 54 

JEsculus  Glabra... 54 

iEsculus  Hippocastanum 56 

Acids 57 

Alkalies 58 

Achillea  Millefolium.. 60 

Aconitum  Napellus 61 

Actsea  Alba 64 

Agave   Americana 65 

Agrimonia    Eupatoria. 66 

Agrimony , 66 

Aletris  Farinosa , , 6  7 

Alnus  Kubra 67 

Aloes 68 

Ammonium,  Bromide  of 69 

"    •        Iodide  of. 70 

Ampelopsis  Quinquefolia 70 

Amygdalus  Persica 71 

Anagallis  Arvensis 71 

Anemone  Nemorosa 72 

Apocynum   Cannabinum 72 

Aralia  Hispida 74 

Arnica  Montana 74 

Artemesia  Absinthium 76 

Artemesia  Santonica , 76 

Asclepias 77 

21 


242  INDEX. 

Asclepias  Tuberosa 77 

Aspidium  Filix  Mas 78 

Asafsetida 79 

Atropa  Belladonna 79 

Atropia 79 

Apis  Mellifica 82 

Agaric r 83 

Ash 126 

American  Coffee  Tree 133 

Apple  Tree 190 

American  Centaury 205 

Arbor  Vitse 232 

Best  Menstruum  for  Medicines 28 

Blood  Poisons 47 

Buckeye 54 

Bromide  of  Ammonium 69 

Belladonna 79 

Boletus  Laricis 83 

Baptisia  Tinctoria 86 

Benzoic  Acid 88 

Berberis  Vulgaris 89 

Barberry 89 

Bebeerina  Sulphas 89 

Bismuth 90 

Bromide  of  Potassium 91 

Bromine 91 

Bidens  Bipinnata 92 

Bryonia 92 

Brayera  Anthelmintica 92 

Blue  Cohosh 99 

Balmony 101 

Bush  Honeysuckle 115 

Boneset , 122 

Bowman's  Boot 123 

Balsam   Apple 164 

Black  Hellebore 137 

Blue  Flag 146 

Butternut 147 


INDEX.  243 

Blackroot . 151 

Button  Snakeroot. 153 

Bugle  Weed 156 

Bayberry 163 

Beech  Drops 168 

Black  Pepper 1*75 

Black  Alder 182 

Buckthorn * 196 

Black  Locust 202 

Black  Willow 205 

Blood  Boot 208 

Bittersweet 222 

Burnt  Sponge 222 

Bladder  Nut 224 

Beth  Boot, 233 

Condition  of  Digestive  Organs 17 

Classification  of  Medicines 37 

Condition  of  the  Stomach 39 

Circulation 41 

Chloral  Hydrate 104 

Cardiac  Stimulants 45 

Cohosh  "White , 64 

"       Black 64 

"       Blue 99 

Century  Plant 65 

Calendula  Officinalis 92 

Calx 93 

Camphor 93 

Cannabis  Sativa 94 

Cantharis  Vesicatoria 95 

Cactus  Grandiflorus 95 

Capsicum 97 

Cayenne  Peppei 97 

Carbo  Ligni 98 

Charcoal 98 

Cassia  Acutifolia 99 

Caulophyllum 99 

Ceanothus  Americanus 101 


244  INDEX. 

Celastrus  Scandens 101 

Chelone  Glabra 101 

Chimaphilla  Umbellata 101 

Cb-ionantlius  Yirginica 102 

Chloroform 103 

Chloral  Hydrate 104 

Cistus  Canadensis 108 

Cinnamon 109 

Clematis  Yirginiana 110 

Coffee 110 

Collinsonia  Canadensis 110 

Colchicum Ill 

Colocynth 112 

Cypripedium  Pubescens 113 

Canada  Fleabane 119 

Columbo 125 

Cleavers 127 

Cranesbill 130 

Cotton 132 

Catnip 165 

Cod  Liver  Oil 167 

Crawley 187 

Crowfoot 196 

Disease,  Analysis  of 11 

Diagnosis  Specific 14 

Disease,  Rule  for  Measuring 15 

Digestive  Apparatus,  Condition  of 17 

Difference  from  Homoeopathy 21 

Dose  of  Medicine 30 

Differential  Therapeutics  of  Acconite  and  Yeratrum 62 

Dwarf  Elder 74 

Datura  Stramonium 114 

Delphinum  Staphisagria 114 

Delphinum  Consolida 115 

Diervilla  Canadensis 115 

Digitalis  Purpurea 115 

Dioscorea  Yillosa 116 

Drosera  Eotundifolia 117 


INDEX.  245 

Excretion 20 

Epigea  Kepens lis 

Epilobium  Palustre 118 

Erechthites  Hieracifolius 119 

Erigeron  Canadense 119 

Eryngium  Aquaticum 120 

Euonymus  Atropurpureus, 120 

Eupatorium  Aromaticum 121 

Eupatorium  Teucrifolium 121 

Eupatorium  Purpureum 122 

Eupatorium  Perfoliatum 122 

Euphorbia  Corollata 123 

Elecampane 142 

Elaterium 162 

Elder 207 

Ergot 213 

Ferrum 123 

Frasera  Carolinensis 125 

Fraxinus  Sanibucifolia. 126 

False  Bittersweet 101 

Fringe  Tree 102 

Foxglove 115 

Fireweed 119 

Fleabane 119 

Five  Fingers 70 

Fresh  Medicines , 32 

Form  of  Medicine 27 

Feverfew '.. 186 

False  Wintergreen 190 

Figwort , 215 

Good  Nursing * 24 

Galium  Aparine 126 

Gaultheria  Procuinbene 127 

Gelseminum  Sempervirens 127 

Gentiana  Lutea 129 

Gentian , 129 

Geranium  Maculatum ..130 

Gerardia  Pedicularia 130 

Gillenia  Trifoliata 130 


246  index. 

Gillenia  Stipulacea 130 

Glycerine 131 

Gnaphalium  Polycephaluni 132 

Gossypium  Herbaceum 132 

Guaiacum  Officinale 133 

Gymnocladus  Canadensis 133 

Golden  Seal 139 

Ginseng 168 

Glycerole  of  Tar 176 

Hemlock 54 

Horse  Chestnut 56 

Hemp,  Indian 72 

Honey  Bee 82 

Hemp 94 

Hamamelis  Yirginica , 134 

Hedeoma  Pulegioides ' 136 

Helianthemum  Canadense 136 

Helleborus  Niger 137 

Helonias  Dioica 137 

Hepatica  Americana 138 

Heracleum  Lanatum 138 

Hydrangea  Aborescens 139 

Hydrastis  Canadensis 139 

Hyoscyamus  Niger 140 

Henbane -140 

Hoarbound 159 

Hypodermic  Use  of  Morphia 170 

Hypophosphites 173 

Hair-Cap  Moss 181 

High  Cranberry 239 

Haw,  Black 239 

Irritation  of  Stomach 39 

Innervation 50 

Inula  Helenium 142 

Iodine 142 

Iodide  of  Potassium 142 

"         "    Sodium 143 

"         "    Ammonium 70,143 

«         "    Starch 144 


INDEX.  247 

Ipecacuanha 144 

Ipomcea  Jalapa 145 

Iris  Versicolor 146 

Iron 123 

Iron  by  Hydrogen 123 

Iron,  Tincture  of  Chloride  of 123 

Indian  Physic 130 

Ice  Plant 162 

Indian  Cup-Plant 217 

Jamestown  Weed 114 

Jalap 145 

Jeffersonia  Diphylla 147 

Juglans  Cinerea ...f 147 

Juniperus  Sabina 148 

Jacob's  Ladder 188 

Kalmia  Latifolia ./. 148 

Life,  Kenewal  of „ ' 18 

Laws  of  Cure 21 

Liquor  Bismuth 90 

Lime 93 

Lady's  Slipper. 113 

Larkspur 115 

Liverleaf 138 

Laurus  Sassafras 149 

Larix  Americana 150 

Lavandula  Vera 150 

Lavender „ 150 

Leonurus  Cardiaca 151 

Leptandra  Virginica 151 

Leptandrin 153 

Liatris  Spicata , 153 

Liquidambar  Styraciflua 153 

Liriodendron  Tulipifera .'..154 

Lobelia  Inflata 154 

Lycopus  Virginicus ....156 

Lion's  Foot 164 

Lungwort 187 

Life  Root 216 


248  INDEX. 

Measuring  Disease 15 

Medicines,  Administraiion  of 24 

"  Should  act  slowly 26 

"  Pleasant 29 

"  Dose  of 30 

"  Proportion  of 31 

Malaria 49 

Maguey 65 

Milkweed 77 

Marigold 92 

Masterwort 138 

Motherwort 151 

Magnesia,  Sulphite  of 157 

Magnolia 159 

Marrubium  Yulgare 159 

Maruta  Cotula 160 

Mayweed 160 

Menispernum  Canadense 160 

Mentha  Viridis 160 

Mitchella  Eepens 161 

Manatropa  Uniflora 162 

Myrica  Cerifera 163 

Momordica  Balsarnina 164 

Male  Fern 78 

Morphia 170 

May  Apple 177 

Mullein 238 

Nosology 11 

Nutritive  Processes 53 

Night  Blooming  Cereus 95 

Nabalus  Albus « 164 

Nepeta  Cataria 165 

Nicotiana  Tabacum 165 

Nympilsea  Odorata 166 

Nux  Vomica ! 226 

Nettle 233 

Opposition  to  Disease 9 

Opponens  Opponenda 22 


INDEX.  249 

Onething  at  a  time 25 

Office  Pharmacy 35 

Objects  of  Treatment 38 

Oleum  Morrhuse 167 

Origanum  Yulgare 167 

Orobanche  Yirginiana 168 

Opium,  s 169 

Proper  Food 19 

Percolation 36 

Physical  Properties  of  Kemedies 34 

Pharmacy,  Office .' 35 

Peach  Tree 71 

Polyporus  Officinalis 83 

"  Pinicola , 84 

Pipsissewa 101 

Pennyroyal 136 

Partrigeherry 161 

Pseonia  Officinalis 168 

Panax  Quinquefolium 168 

Papaver  Somniferum 169 

Peroxide  of  Hydrogen : — 172 

Phosphorus 172 

Phosphate  of  Soda 173 

Phytolacca  Decandra 174 

Poke 174 

Piper  Nigrum 175 

Pix  Liquida 176 

Plantago  Cordata 177 

Podophyllum 177 

Podophyllum 177 

Polemonium  Beptans 180 

Polygala  Senega ; 180 

Polygonum  Pun ctatum 181 

Polypodium  Vulgare 181 

Polytrichum  Juniperum 181 

Populus  Tremuloides ■ 182 

Poplar 182 

Prinos  Verticillatus 182 


250  INDEX. 

Primus  Virginiana 183 

Ptelea  Trifoliata 183 

Pteris  Atropurpurea .184 

Petroleum 184 

Propylamin 185 

Pterospora  Andromeda 187 

Pulinonaria  Officinalis 187 

Pulsatilla  Nigricans 188 

Pulsatilla 188 

Pyrethrum  Parthenium 189 

Pyrola  Eotundifolia , 190 

Pyrus  Malus 190 

Potassii  Ferrocyanuretum 195 

Prussiate  of  Potash 195 

Poison  Oak 200 

Queen  of  the  Meadow 122 

Quercus  Eubra 191 

Quinia  Sulphas 191 

Eule  for  Measuring  Disease 15 

Bemoval  of  "Worn-out  Tissue 17 

Eetrograde  Metamorphosis 52 

Ked  Chickweed 71 

Eed  Eoot 101 

Eock  Eose 136,  108 

Rock  Brake 184 

Eed  Oak 191 

Ranunculus  Bulbosus 196 

Ehamnus  Catharticus. 196 

Eheum  Palmatum 197 

Ehubarb 197 

Bhododendron  Chrysanthum 199 

Bhododendron 199 

Ehus  Glabrum 199 

Ehus  Toxicodendron 200 

Eobinia  Pseudo- Acacia 202 

Eumex  Acetosella 202 

Eumex  Crispus 203 

Euta  G-raveolens 204 


INDEX.  251 

Eue 204 

Bosin-weed 218 

Eed  Clover 232 

Specific  Medication,  Theory  of 9 

"       Use  of  the  Word 10 

Selection  of  Eemedies 13 

Specific  Diagnosis 14 

Single  Eemedies 16 

Similia  Similibus 21 

Strength  of  Fluid  Eemedies 33 

Sedation,  Theory  of 44 

Santonine 76 

Silkweed 77 

Spanish  Fly 95 

Spanish  Needles 92 

Senna 99 

Stone  Eoot 110 

Staphysagria 114 

Sundew 177 

Seven  Barks 139 

Savin -148 

Sweet  Gum 153 

Spearmint 160 

Senega 180 

Sumach 199 

Sheep  Sorrel 202 

Sabbatia  Angularis 205 

Salix  Nigra ....205 

Salvia  Officinalis 206 

Sage 206 

Sambucus  Canadensis 207 

Sanguinaria  Canadensis 208 

Sanicula  Marilandica 208 

Sanicle 208 

Sarracenia  Purpurea 209 

Scutellaria  Lateriflora „ 212 

Skull  Cap  212 

Secale  Cornutum 213 


252  INDEX. 

Scilla  Maritima 215 

Squill 215 

Scrophularia  Marilandica 215 

Senecio  Aureus 216 

Silphium  Perfoliatum 21? 

Silphium  Gumniferum 218 

Sodae  Hyposulphis 219 

Sodse  Sulphis 219 

Sulphurous  Acid 220 

Solarium  Dulcamara 222 

SpongiaUsta 222 

Staphyllea  Trifoliata , 224 

Stillingia  Sylvatica 224 

Strychnos  Nux  Yomica 226 

Strychnia 227 

Sulphur * 228 

Symplocarpus  Foetidus 230 

Skunk  Cabbage 230 

Theory  of  Specific  Medication 9 

"         "  Sedation 44 

Temperature 46 

Tag  Alder 67 

Trailing  Arbutus 118 

Twinleaf 147 

Tobacco , 165 

Tar 176 

Thuja  Occidentalis 232 

Trifolium  Pratense 232 

Trillium  Pendulum ." 233 

Tanacetum  Yulgare 233 

Use  of  the  Word  Specific 10 

Unicorn  Poot 136 

Urtica  Dioica 233 

Virgin's  Bower 110 

Vegetative  Processes 50 

Valeriana  Officinalis 234 

Valerian , 234 

Veratum  Viride 234 


mDBX.  253 

Verbascum  Thapsis 238 

Viburnum  Opulus 289 

Viburnum  Prunifolium 239 

Want  of  Vital  Power 42 

Waste  and  Excretion 48,  51 

White  Cohosh 64 

Wind  Flower 72 

Wormseed 76 

Wormwood 76 

Wild  Indigo 86 

Wild  Yam 116 

Water  Eryngo 120 

Wahoo 120 

White  Snakeroot 121 

Wild  Hoarhound 121 

Wild  Ipecao  •- 123 

Wintergreen 127 

White  Balsam 132 

Witch  Hazel 134 

White  Pond  Lilly 166 

Water  Pepper 181 

Wild  Cherry 183 

Wafer  Ash 183 

Xanthoxylum  Fraxineum 240 

Yellow  Jessamine 127 

Yellow  Poplar 154 

Yellow  Parilla 160 

Yellow  Dock 203 

Zymotic  Causes  of  Disease 47 


Dr.  Job  T.  Dickins, 

8  Pleasant  Street,       Newburyport. 


-•'---■•■• 


|gUKj» 


MMfak