Chapter IV: Part 4

That nearly if not all medicines, may be applied externally with advantage, when there are local manifestations similar to those produced by the drugs, there can be no doubt in the mind of any sensible man. That they will act favorably when so used is _reasonable_, as a matter of theory, and that they do, as a matter of fact, has been _proven_ to my mind, by abundant experience in their use. Therefore, I hesitate not to recommend the practice to others. Medicines must act either by combination with the affected part, or by _Catalysis_, changing the molecular action of the living tissues. In either case, they must come directly in contact with the part to be affected. This _must_ be done through the circulation, when taken internally, or it _may_ be done by direct application of the remedy to the diseased tissue, when that is so situated as to be reached. The difference is greatly in favor of the latter mode when that is practicable, from the greater certainty of its results. This assertion is based, not upon vague hypothesis, but upon _actual practice_.

Entertaining these views, however heretical they may be pronounced, I shall proceed to mention some of the remedies I have learned to use thus, and the cases for which they are prescribed. I would remark that, in selecting a remedy, it must be done with as much certainty of its homoeopathic relation to the local or general symptoms for external as for internal use. I have found, however, that much lower attenuations are requisite and admissible.

ARNICA is highly applicable to _bruises_, and is valuable also when applied to lacerated or mangled surfaces, to the surface of the limb where a bone is fractured, also about the joint when it has been dislocated. It is to be used in the form of _Arnicated water_, by putting one or two drops to a gill of water for application where the skin is ruptured or the surface raw, and ten to twenty drops to the gill, upon parts where the skin is sound. It is useful also, for _boils_, and _carbuncles_ in the _early stage_, the _strong tincture_ to be applied when the surface is sound, and (to boils) when the surface is open, one drop to a gill of water.

Aconite

Is applicable to inflamed eyes, in the early stage, where the disease is in the conjunctiva, (that portion which lines the lids and covers the front of the ball), especially if there is a sense of scratching, as though some foreign substance is in the eye, great intolerance of light, chilly sensations, with more or less fever, and quick pulse. Put three or four drops to a gill of warm water, and apply it freely.

It is also very valuable for _Neuralgia_, applied strong and warm, along the course, or at the origin of the affected nerve. In neuralgia of the face, apply it upon the side of the face, also just behind and below the ear of the affected side.

It is of much value as a remedy for neuralgic affections of the womb. I have relieved the most distressing symptoms of neuralgia of the womb, in a few minutes, by injecting warm water containing twenty to forty drops of _tr. Aconite_ to the pint. By repeating this application at every paroxysm, patients recover rapidly, each succeeding attack being lighter, and the interval between being longer, until they cease entirely. It may be used with much benefit in the same manner, for _Hysteritis_, as well as recent cases of _Leucorrhoea_. It is the most valuable remedy applied to the _Eye_ for a _wound_ of that organ.

In _Gonorrhoea_, it is more valuable as a local remedy, than most of those now in use. It will frequently cure alone. In this case, it is to be used with an equal part of the _tr_. and warm water.

Belladonna

has great power as a local remedy in _Erysipelas_, to be applied with water in proportion of ten drops of the _tr._ to a gill of warm water. It is also of much value applied to the surface of inflamed breasts; also injected when there is inflammation of the _uterus_, with pressing pains as though the bowels would be pressed out. _Very valuable_ in parturition where there is rigidity of the _os uteri_, with fullness of the head and throbbing of the temples. It has the specific power to relax circular fibres without affecting the longitudinal.

Calendula,

is applied to wounds, _incised_ and _lacerated_, promoting healing by the first intention. It is a valuable application for wounds in scrofulous persons, which tend to suppurate rather than heal by the first intention. It is also useful in old sores.

The _Calendula Cerate_ is one of the best of dressings for any abraded surface.

Conium

is valuable as a _palliative_ upon cancerous tumors. As a _curative remedy_ it is useful in chronic ophthalmia, especially the purulent of children; useful also for _indurated_ swellings.

Thuya

is a specific when locally used for _Sycosis_, also for fungoid cancerous tumors. I have cured well-marked cases of _Fungus Hæmatodes_ with the tinct. Thuya applied to the surface of the tumor.

The _Thuja Cerate_ is a valuable application for malignant ulcers.

Cornus Sericea

will often cure malignant ulcers both of the breast and uterus, used as a wash.

Arsenicum

acts favorably on cancers, and is a specific when applied to the surface of _carbuncle_.

Ipecac

acts very beneficially when applied to the surface where there is high fever, with nausea and vomiting. Half an ounce of _tr._ Ipecac to two quarts of tepid water, applied with a sponge to the whole surface, acts like magic in yellow fever, allaying the nausea, producing free and health-restoring perspiration.

Rhus Tox,

applied, with water at the strength of thirty drops of the _tr._ to a gill, to parts affected with _Rheumatism_, acts very beneficially. It is also a most valuable application at half the above strength upon parts affected with Erysipelas, when the surface is swollen, and there are vessicles filled with fluid like a blister in burns.

It is also useful for sores that exist as the chronic effects of burns when the proper treatment had not been used in the beginning, and the healing process was never perfected.

_Rhus Cerate_ is a very useful application to irritable ulcers.

Hepar Sulphur

is a specific for _Itch and Scald Head,_ applied in form of a wash with twenty to thirty drops of _tr. Hepar Sul._ to a gill of water. Also for ill-conditioned scrofulous ulcers, generally.

Cuprum Aceticum.

(_Acetate of Copper Verdigris_) applied to _Cancerous_ ulcers of the face, _Lupus_ or _Noli-me-tangere_, in the early stage, will in most cases effect a perfect cure, especially if for a week previously the part has been wet daily with _tr. Thuja_. The best mode of applying the _acetate_ is to mix the impalpable powder, as prepared for paint, with some substance to form a cerate, as equal parts of bees-wax and mutton suet, with 1-50 to 1-100 part of the pure _acetate_ as found in the bottom of the can, when prepared in oil for paint; heat all together and stir until cool. This forms a good plaster for covering and shielding the sore while its medicinal property is in the _Cuprum Aceticum_ diluted as above. It is quite useful for any ill conditioned ulcer.

Acetic Acid

is a most efficient remedy applied to old irritable _varicose ulcers_ on the limbs of females who have suffered from _Phlegmasia Dolens_, (milk leg.)

It may be applied as a wash to the part once or twice a day at the strength of 1-20th of the acid with water, or in the form of good cider vinegar.

The manufactured vinegar of the cities does _not_ usually contain acetic acid.

ARUM TRIPHYLLUM is a specific to allay the inflammation and excessive pain in _scrofulous swellings_ of the neck, (_Kings Evil_.) The pure drug in powder, wet with warm water, or the green root bruised so as to form a poultice, is to be applied over the swelling. It soon discusses the swelling, or if pus has already formed, allays the the pain, and brings the pus to the surface, and if continued, disposes it to heal rapidly.

BAPTISIA TINCTORIA applied as a poultice either in the powdered drug, or with some other substance wet with the infusion or _tr._, _arrests gangrene_ in a short time. It is especially useful for threatened or actual gangrene arising from _lacerated_ wounds or scalds with wounds, as in accidents connected with the explosion of steam boilers; when we often have scalds and lacerations in the same wound.

HYDRASTUS CANADENSIS used as a gargler in a putrid state of the throat in malignant _Scarlet fever_, arrests the destructive process _at once_.

It is also a most excellent application for inflamed eyes in the second or sub-acute stage.

* * * * *

PROPHYLACTICS.

(_Preventives of Disease._)

TO PREVENT SCARLET FEVER

Give Belladonna at the 3d attenuation, three to six pellets, according to the age of the child, every morning, during the prevalence of the epidemic. This is for the common or mild form of the disease. If the prevailing epidemic is of the _malignant_ kind, producing fatal ulcerations of the throat, give _Bell._ once in two days and _Mercurius Corrosivus_ at the 3d attenuation on the alternate day.

While _Bell._ is a very certain preventive of the common eruptive Scarlatina, it is not as certain to prevent the _malignant_ form. Though it renders the latter much more mild, the _Merc. Cor._ is necessary to ward it off entirely, or so modify as to divest it of the dangerous features.

TO PREVENT YELLOW FEVER

Take _Aconite_, _Belladonna_ and _Macrotin_, 1st in rotation one dose a day. If there is any headache, or pains occur in other parts of the body, or a languid feeling, take a dose twice or three times a day in rotation.

TO PREVENT BILIOUS FEVER OR AGUE

Take _Podophyllin_, _Baptisia_ and _Gelseminum_ 1st in rotation, one dose at night, and if symptoms of fever, as headache and loss of appetite, or bad taste in the mouth in the morning appear, take a dose three times a day, and refrain entirely from food for one or two days.

TO PREVENT TYPHOID FEVER

When exposed, as in nursing the sick, take _Baptisia_ 2d, and _Macrotin_ 2d, a dose three times a day.

TO PREVENT SMALL-POX

Use _Macrotin_ 1st night and morning, and if nursing or exposed frequently, use it every four hours.

TO PREVENT CHOLERA.

_Camphor_ (_pellets medicated_ with the pure tincture) _Veratrum_ 3d, and _Arsenicum_ 3d, should be taken in rotation--a dose morning, noon and night, in the order named; so as to take a dose of each every twenty-four hours. If any sense of weakness or trembling comes on, use the _Camphor_ oftener; if pain or uneasiness in the bowels threatening diarrhoea, use the _Veratrum_, and for increased thirst with uneasiness at the stomach _Arsenicum_ more frequently.

TO PREVENT DIARRHOEA

Where it is prevailing as an _epidemic_, _Ipecac_ at night, and _Veratrum_ in the morning will often _suffice_. For _teething children_ give _Ipecac_ and _Chamomilla_ in the same manner.

TO PREVENT DYSENTERY

In hot weather when bilious diseases prevail, use _Mercurius_ 3d, _Podophyllin_ 2d, and _Leptandrin_ 1st in rotation, giving one dose a day.

In the winter, or when _Typhoid fevers_ prevail, use _Mercurius_ and _Rhus_ tox. alternately a dose every day.

TO PREVENT ITCH.

A dose of _Sulphur_, or rubbing a little flour of sulphur on the hands, will generally suffice.

TO PREVENT COLDS

Keep the _arms_, _hands_ and _chest_ well clothed and warm. _Affecting_ the _head_ as _catarrh_, or the pelvic regions keep the _feet and ankles warm and dry_. Affecting joints and muscles as Rheumatism--protect the _Spine_ (back) from colds and currents of air.

After an accidental exposure as by getting the feet wet, or being caught in a shower, drink _bountifully_ of cold water, and take a dose of _Nux_; followed in an hour by _Aconite_, if any chilliness is felt, or _Copaiva_ if the head is "stuffed up."

In winter and spring when the weather is mild, but there is snow, or the ground is damp, more clothes are necessary than when it is freezing hard and the air is dry.

* * * * *

PREPARATION OF MEDICINE.

As it often becomes necessary for the practitioner to make more or less of his own dilutions and attenuations, some brief instructions especially to new beginners, may not come amiss.

Medicine is prepared by mixing it with distilled water, or purified 98 per cent. Alcohol; or if solid and dry, by reducing it to powder and triturating (rubbing) it in a mortar with pure sugar or Sugar of Milk. The liquid is called _dilution_, the powder _trituration_. The attenuations are mostly made at the decimal (1-10,) or centecimal (1-100) ratio and numbered 1, 2, 3, &c., by putting ten drops of the liquid with ninety drops of Alcohol, or ten grains of the powder with ninety grains of Sugar for the 1st, and ten grains or drops of the 1st with ninety more of Alcohol or Sugar, as the case may be, for the 2nd, and so on to any desirable extent.

If the centecimal attenuation is adopted, one grain or drop is used instead of ten, as in the decimal.

I prefer the decimal to the centecimal ratio. Not that there can possibly be any difference in the action of the medicines, at the same attenuation, whether it was brought to that state through a series of 1-10, or 1-100; the 3d at the 1-100 ratio of dilution being _precisely the same_ as the 6th at 1-10. My preference for the decimal ratio is based upon the greater convenience and accuracy of measuring larger quantities.

_Accuracy_ is very desirable, but the practice of _guessing_ at the amount as pursued by some, is anything but accurate. When one makes his dilutions by putting the fluid into a vial and "_pouring it all out_," _guessing_ that he has a _drop_ left which is to medicate the ninety-nine drops of Alcohol or water, he may put in by guess, I am inclined to _guess_ that he knows nothing, _accurately_ as to what dilution he is making. (See Hull's Laura, introduction, also Jahr & Possart's Pharmacopoeia and Posology.) For if the vial is small and quite smooth there may not be a drop left, or if it is rough, there may be several drops.

Yet some physicians make their dilutions thus, and insist upon the superiority of the centecimal over the decimal attenuations.

Whatever ratio is adopted, should be _accurately_ followed. Have true scales for weighing solids, and a graduated measure marked from ten drops up to one hundred for liquids; then _always_ weigh or measure _accurately_ the medicine, as well as the substance with which it is to be attenuated.

The measure and mortar, after using them for one medicine, can be cleaned preparatory for another, with scalding water, rinsing them with purified Alcohol, then drying.

Never smoke or chew Tobacco in any place, but if you are such a _slave_ to habit, that you must do it despite your good sense and better judgment, never do either, or have tobacco or any other odoriferous substance about your person when you are preparing medicines, or they are exposed to the air. Keep the medicines excluded from the light and air as far as practicable.

Triturate the powders thoroughly for an hour or more upon each, and shake the dilution from fifty to one hundred times, more for the higher attenuations.

It is better to medicate pellets in large bottles, filling them half or two-thirds full, put in just liquid enough to wet every one, but not so as to dissolve any. Shake them until all are equally wet, and let them stand for four or five days, if practicable, shaking them up two or three times a day until all are dry.

INDEX.

Administration of Remedies, 11

Ague, 22

Ague, preventive treatment of, 153

Asthma, 57

Aphthæ, 90

Asiatic Cholera, 104

Amenorrhoea, 129

Ague in the breast, 135

Attenuation of medicines, 151

Bathing, 12

Bilious Fever, 26
Preventive treatment of, 153

Bronchitis, 51

Burns and Scalds, 64

Bilious Colic, 19

Brain Fever, 70

Bee stings, 75

Bite of Rattlesnake, 77

Bruises, 95

Cholera Case, 3

Colic, 18

Colic, Bilious, 19

Cholera Morbus, 21

Cholera, Asiatic, 104
Preventive treatment of, 153

Chill Fever, 22

Continued Fever, 28

Catarrhal Fever, 28

Cough, 52

Colds, 57

Colds, Preventive treatment of, 154

Croup, 55

Constipation, 62

Chilblains, 69

Convulsions of Children, 72

Crusta Lactea, 122

Carbuncle, 122

Diarrhoea, 14
Preventive treatment of, 154

Dysentery, 16
Preventive treatment of, 154

Diet, Rules for, 13

Dyspepsia, 58

Diseases of Females, 129

Dysmenorrhoea, 131

Enteritis, 53

Erysipelas, 62

Epistaxis, 81

Earache, 84

Foreign Substances in the Ear or Nose, 144

Fevers, 22
Intermittent, 22
Chill, 22

Fits of Children, 72

Felon, 126

Flowing, 132

Female weakness, 198

Gastritis, 54

Hooping Cough, 58

Heartburn, 62

Hoarseness, 70

Headache, 78
Sick, 80

Introduction, 5

Intermittent Fever, Ague, 22

Inflammation of the Lungs, 49

Inflammation of the Brain, 70

Inflammation of the Bowels, 53

Inflamed Eyes, 91

Incontinence of Urine, 117

Involuntary urination (nightly), 117

Itch, 120

Itch, preventive treatment of, 154

Inflamed Breast, 135

Inflammation of the Uterus, 140

Jaundice, 120

Local application of Remedies, 145

Leucorrhoea, 138

Mammary Abscess, 135

Menorrhagia, 132

Measles, 73

Mumps, 74

Morning sickness of pregnant females, 143

Nursing Sore-mouth, 133

Nosebleed, 81

Neuralgia, 118

Nightly urination of Children, 117

Otalgia, 84

Ophthalmia, 91

Preparation of medicine, 155

Pleurisy, 48

Prolapsus Uteri, 138

Pneumonia, 49

Piles, 97

Painful urination, 117

Painful menstruation, 131

Profuse menstruation, 132

Preventives of Disease, 151

Quinsy, 53

Rheumatism, 30

Rheumatic Fever, 29

Remitting Fever, 27

Rattlesnake bite, 77

Scarlet Fever, 35
Preventive treatment of, 151

Sore Throat, 52

Scalds, 64

Stings of Insects, 75

Sick Headache, 79

Sore-mouth of Children, 90

Sea Sickness, 103

Small-Pox, 110
Preventive treatment of, 153

Scald Head, 122

Suppression of the menses, 129

Sore Nipples, 139

Table of Remedies, 3

Traveler's Case, 3

Typhoid Fever, 31

Tonsillitis, 53

Toothache, 86

Teething of children, 88

Thrush, 90

Ulceration of the Uterus, 140

Urination painful, 117

Urination, Involuntary, 110

Variola, 117

Varioloid, 117

Worms, 82

Wounds, 93

Whitlow, 126

Yellow Fever, 38
Preventive treatment of, 153

APPENDIX

ON THE USE OF GELSEMINUM SEMP. IN FEVERS. BY J. S. DOUGLAS, A. M., M. D., Prof. of Mat. Med. and Special Pathology, in the Western Homoepathic College, Cleveland; author of "Treatment of Intermittents," &c.

Such has been the general result of the treatment of the fevers of this country, that most Homoeopathic physicians deny the possibility of _breaking up_ a fever when once established.

Those who labor under this impression, will be soon convinced of the error by properly employing the _Gelseminum semper virens_, or yellow Jasmine. Having proved this drug repeatedly on myself and seven or eight others, it was impossible to avoid the conviction that it would be homoeopathic to the ordinary fevers of this country.

The pathogenetic symptoms, almost uniformly experienced, are the following, the dose being from one to five drops:

Within a few minutes, sometimes within two or three, a marked depression of pulse, which becomes 10, 15 or 20 beats less in the minute, if quiet, but greatly disturbed by movement. Chilliness, especially along the back, pressive pain of the head, most generally of the temples, sometimes in the occiput, at others, over the head. The chilliness is soon followed by a glow of heat and prickling of the skin, and quickly succeeded by perspiration which is sometimes profuse and disposed to be persistent, continuing from twelve to twenty-four hours. As soon as the re-action takes place after the chill, the pulse rises as much above the normal standard, as it was before depressed below it. With these symptoms is a puffy, swollen look and feeling of the eye-lids, slimy and disagreeable or bitter taste in the mouth, languid feeling of the back and limbs, and sleepiness.

As example affords the best illustration, we will give one to illustrate the usual action of this drug in fevers:

P. W., aged 21, sanguine temperament, had been complaining of languor, and want of appetite for three weeks. For a week has been unable to attend to business. Took a cathartic, and was, of course, worse. For the last thirty-six hours had been seriously sick. June 30, 1858, had the following symptoms: Pulse rather full, but weak and vascillating, about 100 per minute. Tongue red and dry; hands tremulous when extending them; tongue trembles when protruded; the mind wanders; he reaches after imaginary objects; lips dry and parched; he is uneasy, restless. Now this, all will recognize as a case which had been long in coming on, and was fairly established, and was not likely to be _broken up_ by ordinary means. He took one drop of _Gelseminum tincture_ to be repeated every hour, if needed. The next morning he reported that he had been in a perspiration ever since fifteen minutes after taking the first dose, had slept quietly during the night, the tongue and lips were moist, mind clear, pulse 80, and steady. The next day I found him dressed and down stairs, with good appetite and free from disease. I could give sixty cases of equally prompt results from this precious drug, in fevers which make their attack rather suddenly, whether from cold or otherwise, and attended with chilliness, pain in the limbs, head and back, variously disordered taste of the mouth, with great restlessness. The almost uniform effect, in these cases is, a cessation of the chills, within from two to five minutes, quickly followed by a glow of heat and prickling of the surface; and within from five to twenty minutes, perspiration with progressive abatement of all the pains and restlessness. The patient falls asleep, and after a longer or shorter time, wakes with a consciousness that his disease is _broken up_--and this proves to be the truth. Like all other drugs, the dose must be various, generally one drop repeated every half hour, till the desired effect is produced repeated afterwards as occasion may require.

In simple cases of fever, I regard it as _the_ remedy, not only, but _the only_ remedy required. There are, of course, many cases of fever, with local complications, as inflammation of the liver, &c., &c., where other remedies will be necessary. Half a drop, or even a quarter, is often sufficient. The largest I have yet given is five drops, and this in only one case.

Several Homoeopathic physicians to whom I have recommended it, have made equally favorable reports of it.

My experience has been, that not a few of our Western fevers, especially if neglected beyond the incipient stages, are accompanied by such gastric and bilious disorder, as to require _Mercurius_, _China_, or _Podophyllin_, after the general febrile symptoms are removed by _Gels._ But at an early stage, the _Gels._ alone will prevent the development of these complications.

The drug seems to me to act specifically and energetically, not only upon the circulatory system, but equally so upon the nervous system, allaying nervous irritability more effectually in fevers, than _Coff._, _Cham._, _Bell._, _Nux_, or any other drug we possess. As it acts very quickly, the first dose may be soon repeated and increased, if no effect is observed.

+---------------------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |Inconsistent punctuation in headings in this book are as in the| |original. | | | +---------------------------------------------------------------+