Cactus grandiflorus

Volume I — Main text

CACTUS. Cactus gTMuSfynUf L, Night.blooming cereus. Nat. ord., Cactace^.

I. Provings, — I. Dr. Rubini and his wife proved C. in 1862, manner not suted, but medicine taken for 8 d. [Their symptoms are blended together in a schema^ and can only be rearranged according to the notes of time. — Eds.]

a. On ist d., such violent pulsations in temples it seems as though skull would burst ; momentary dazzling of sight ; noises in ears like rushing of a river, lasting all n., with diminished hearing ; great thirst, causing him to drink much water ; great but ineffectual desire to pass water for a lone time, at last it flows abundantly (of a straw colour) ; slight fever witn pain in head, coming on after a very short rigor at 2 p.m., ending in slight sweat at 4 ; in e. rigor of 3 h. duration, so severe as to make teeth shatter, it does not go off although he lies down and covers himself with blankets, followed by burning heat with great pain in head and such dyspncea and restlessness that he cannot remain in bed, lasting 20 h., and ending in copious sweat ; sleepless at n., without apparent cause, with dry cough from tickling in larynx ; involuntary escape of urine in bed, at 5 a.m., while asleep. On 2nd d., feeling of emptiness in head ; pulsating pain again in temples, getting intolerable at n., throbbing then also in scrob. cordis and r. ear, preventing sleep; heavy, dull pains in region of heart, increased on pressure ; want of appetite and loss of taste of food, which goes off after some h. On 3rd d., pulsation in both ears, hindering sleep; continued taciturnity, he will not answer though repeatedly spoken to ; sensation in chest as if someone were pressing and holdmg it tightly, so that he cried out, ^^ Leave me alone ;' oppression of breathing as from a great weight on chest ; sanguineous congestion in chest, which prevents him lying down in bed ; fcetid breath in m. ; complete loss of appetite, cannot take least morsel of food ; insupportable heat in abdomen, as though something burnt him internally, abdominal parietes when touched much hotter than other parts of body ; menstruation 8 d. too soon in a woman in whom it was usually 7 d. too late. On 4th d., very great and intolerable pain in head, with congestion, most severe on r. side ; acute pain in heart, impeding respiration and movement ; oppression in 1. subclavian region,

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as if a great weight prevented free dilatation of thorax ; acrid add in stomach, which comes up into throat and mouth, and makes everything he cats taste sour \ sense of great constriction in chest, also in scrobiculus cordis, extending to hypochondria, and impeding respiration ; oppression and weight in stomach ; distressing sensation in bowels as if serpent were twisting about ; urine passed by drops with much heat* Throughout these 4 d, also, violent pain in r, half of head, increased by sound of talking, and by strong light ; weakness of sight, objects appearing as if clouded ; pulsation in cars, constant d* and n, ^ unusual melancholy, for which he cannot account, on 4th d, becoming profound hypochondriasis, he is unwilh'ng to speak a word ; oppression of chest with loss of breath ; palpitation, constant d. and n., worse when walking, and at n. when lying on I. aide, much augmented on 3rd d. on occurrence of catamenia ; sense of great burning in stomach ^ frequent desire at n. to micturate, with copious flow each time ; urine more copious than usual.

&. On 5th d., n hemicrania continues, also burning in stomach j sense of great constriction in shoulders so that he could not move ; wandering pains in umbilical region, ceasing and recurring periodically ; heat in urethra, which increases gradually and becomes insupportable ; most horrible pains with menstruation causing her to cry out and weep. On 6th d,, continuance (as on 5th) of hypochondriasis and irresistible sadness, taciturnity, and inclination to weep j also of pulsation in ears, palpitation, and nocturnal diuresis ; dazzling of vision, then appear be/ore eyes circles of red light which obscure sight ; sense of painful constriction in lower chest, as if cord were lightly tied round false ribs, with obstruction of breathing ^ constriction of oesophagus, preventing swallowing i he must drink a large quantity of water to get it down into stomach. On 7th d., slight delirium at n., ceasing on rousing up, but recurring as soon as he falls asleep again ; fear of death, extreme and lasting, he believes he is incurring an incurable malady ^ nausea in m. and all d. long ; very violent pains in bowels almost causing him to faint, lasting more or less all d. On 8th d., constriction of throat, causing him to swallow saliva frequently. Up to this time, from beginning of experiments, provers had been suffering from (besides the above named) constant and tiresome pulsation in temples and cars, giving much annoyance and causing hypochondriasis ; inability to sleep in early part of n., and when he fell asleep he woke suddenly ; constriction in chest, especially under sternum, as if a hoop of iron con* stricted it ; sharp wandering pains in thoracic cavity, very annoying, especially in scapular region j pain in 1. mamma, increased by touching, relieved by gently raising it; annoying sense of movement (as of a reptile) from before backwards in cardiac region, worse by d. than by n, ; sense of constriction in heart, as if an iron hand prevented its ordinary movements ; most acute pain and such painful stitches as to cause him to weep and cry out loudly, with prolonged oppression of breathing and much anxietas ; periodical attacks of suffocation with faintness, cold sweat on face and loss of pulse; anxietas, recurring in e. ; strong pulsation in scrobiculus cordis ; sense of great weight on stomach, recurring every time medicine was taken ^ loss of appetite mid nausea^ it is only by an

eflfbrt that he can swallow a few morsels ; in one prover constipation for 6 d., in the other bilious diarrhoea with 4 or 5 evacuations daily (on 3rd and 7th d. 8), mostly in m., always preceded by pain ; dry cough from pricking in throat. Face was discoloured and emaciated.

c. For 2 d. more sense of movement in and constriction of heart ; for 4 d. pain in 1. mamma; for 6 d. nausea and anorexia; for 7 d. constriction in upper, for 10 d. in middle of, chest ; for 7 d. also thoracic wandering pains, e. anxietas, dry cough, and weight in stomach. On 9th d., love of solitude, he avoids those about him who try to comfort him; watery diarrhoea, very abundant each time, 10 motions in m., always preceded by pains and borborygmus. On loth d., talking nonsense while asleep at n., and even when aroused speaking unconnectedly ; feeling of constriction in throat which prevents free speech ; on forcing himself to speak voice is low and hoarse ; constriction in neck of bladder, preventing passage of urine till after much straining. After 10 d., vertigo from sanguineous congestion to head. On 12th d., face inflamed and red, with pulsating pains in head ; mucous diarrhoea preceded by drawing pains, 3 motions in d. After 13 d., quotidian intermittent fever, recurring every d. at same h. for many successive d. ; at i p.m. slight rigor, then burning heat, dyspnoea, and great pulsating pains in uterine region, terminating in slight sweat, till noon next d. complete apyrexia. (During 20 d. since commencing proving, tensive pain on vertex which returns every 2 d.) On 15th d., extraordinary irritability, the smallest contrariety puts him into a passion ; sensation of great weight in anus and desire tp evacuate, but nothing passes ; pulsating pain in hypogastrium (female), recurring every e., extending to thighs, increasing up to 11 p.m. On 20th d., interrupted sleep at n., next m. he feels weary as if he had not slept at all ; great appetite, but weak and slow digestion ; great itching in ankles, which next d. extends to lower part of tibia. On 24th d., a dry scaly patch, 2 in. broad, appears on 1. internal malleolus, and on 38th d. came on r.^ while on 30th and 48th d. respectively similar patches appeared on r. and 1. elbow (outer side). {Patogenia di Cactus grandijlorus^ 1864.) [See Appendix.]

1. a. Oct. 15th, 10 p.m., took 10 dr., ist dil. — 17th. On rising m. after quiet sleep, great weariness, weight of limbs, and unusual sleepiness, lasting 2 h. — i8th, 19th, 20th, 21st. Every e. very tiresome fleabite-like itching on chest and abdomen, making him rub ; is allayed after going to bed ; not felt during d. — 22nd, 10 p.m., 15 dr. The itching occurred during d., and not in e. — 23rd and 24th. A peculiar sensation at anus, as if rectum were swollen, which causes scraping and prickling sensation during stool. Slight oppression of breathing during d. when walking. — 25th and 26th. A pressive pain in chest causing tight breath and compelling deep breathing, worse when walking and when going upstairs ; troublesome owing to palpitation of heart. — 27th, 28th, and 29th. The symptoms gradually went off.

h, Nov. I2th, II p.m., 10 dr. of 3rd dil. — 13th, 8 a.m. When sitting quietly, pressive pain in upper part of 1. chest, behind 2nd and 3rd ribs ; tightness of breathing making him take long breaths, lasting some m.

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Soon afterwards tiresome pressure in r, parietal bone. On undressings e., itching on abdomen and calves. — 14th, 15th. Several times during d»^ when walking, cramp pain in r. sole, transient but very tiresome.

c, Nov, 19th, II p.m. J 10 dr. of 6th diL Soon scraping in soft palate, lasting 1 h. In forenoon, pressive pain in 1. parietal bone rather external ; tearing in 1. shoulder-joint* — 20th. On waking in m*, and lasting forenoon, a drawing-tearing pain in r. arm, which, after nsingi went into r. wrist.

d. Nov, 26th, J I p.m., 5 dr. of tinct. For I h, afterwards scraping in palate. At n. in bed strong heart's beats and pulsation in upper part of chest. The pulse in the arm beat hard and quick to the fingers. The hearths beats and pulsation in chest were stronger, more audible and perceptible, when lying on back than when lying on side \ at same time anxiety and restlessness. After i h. these symptoms subsided and he fell asleep. — 27th, 8 a.m., 5 dr. Scraping in palate, pressive pain in upper part of r. chest, oppressed breathing, increased strength of heart's beats, and, when walking, pulsation in chest, and anxiety, lasting all forenoon ; also pressure in 1. parietal bone. Woke in m, with violent pain in r. knee, extending from patella to outer side of leg » the slightest movement increased the pain ; subsided after i h. Soon afterwards numbness of I, arm and tiresome prickling in little finger for a short time. Lecherous dreams and erections in sleep. — 28th. On rbing, m., pressive pain in 1, parietal bone. During d. occasional pain in muscles of upper arm, thorax, calves, and soles. — 29th. Last n» the first half sleepless on account of afflux of many thoughts ; later uneasy sleep. In m., even before rising, intolerable pain in lower part of dorsal muscles on r. side, extending to glutei all d. — Dec. rst. Transient tearing pains in joints, sometimes shoulder, sometimes elbows^ some-^ times in fingers, chiefly on r. side. Dyspnoea when walking, especially going upstairs, when there is also palpitation. — 2nd, 3rd. Painful weariness and heaviness of arms, and generally discomfort ; drowsiness as after a severe illness. Restless sleep. On both d. em|>ty feeling iii stomach, with unaltered appetite and normal stools. All the function!^ remained undisturbed during proving, except that the urinary secretion seemed rather scantier. (Hencice, A, h. Z,, Ixxxvi, ^73*)

1. Nov. 1st, 6.30 a.m., 5 dr. tincture. All d. pressure in forehead now and then, more frequently in room than in open air ; tearing through L arm. — 2nd, 9 a.m., lO dr. — 4th, 9 a.m., 15 dr. Yesterday and to-day some pains in joints of no peculiar character and not unusual ; jerking-tearing in forehead and limbs. ^ — 5th, 9 a.m., 15 dr. Palpitation of heart when standing and sitting \ anxious sensation in heart ; short breathing ; little pain in limbs* — 6th. Same heart symptoms.— 7th, 6.30 am., 15 dr. Same symptoms as on 8th and 9th. — 1 0th, 6,30 a.m., 20 dr. Seems to have for some d. past a marked restlessness and hurry in what he does ; seems always to come too late, never at right time, and the day seems not long enough for his work } at same time uneasiness and oppressed feeling in heart. — nth, 630 a.m., 20 dr. Same symptoms j the palpitation and oppressed feeling in heart felt also when sitting and lying in bed at n. — 12th. Same state* The palpitation consists of small irregular beats, with need to breathe

rion worse when lying on lacL — i+rh, 9 a.m., 2D dr. When mo\ing rapidly there occur quick, shoR, irregular heart's beats ; some severe stitches in upper part of r. side of chest. — I5:h, " a.m., 20 dr. Qu'.ck walking does not bring on the palpTtarion, but sudden movement, stooping, rising quickly from chair, and emotions do. — i6:h. When moving in bed, m., small, quick, irregular heart's beats ; this also occurs during d. at beginning of any movement, as stooping, rising, turning round, but not in walking. At same time an anxious feeh'ng in chest rising up to throat. — 17th. Same symptoms, but milder. — i8th. Symptoms subsiding. — 19th, 4 p.m., 33 dr. At 5 p.m. some pains in knees and forehead ; need to breathe deeply, with some irregular heart's beats, which occur under the same conditions as before, with feeling of pressure and weight in cardiac region. At 5.30 p.m. coldness in back, and icv cold hands for { h., though face and head were hot. The pains m various joints, forehead and head return. In e. constant pretsive pain in 1. side of forehead, lasting till he went to sleep, and felt on waking twice in n. — 20th, 6.30 a.m., 30 dr. Irregular heart's beats on moving suddenly, all d. ; slight pains in limbs and head only in m. On waking at n. and changing posture the same heart symptoms.— list. Same bean symptoms, and also many strong beats on walking quickly in room, with oppressed breathing and deep inspirations.— 22nd. At 5 a.m. same heart symptoms when lying on back after moving; also after rising, when walking quickly in room. The heart symptoms occurred frequently to-day ; on commencing to walk are sometimes so severe he must stand still and breathe deeply several times ; the same when going slowly upstairs, and even going downstairs. On waking in m. and changing posture the same heart symptoms. — 23rd. Same symptoms under same conditions. During a. heart symptoms slighter. — 24th. No more heart symptoms, but drawing in fingers, toes, knees and ankles. Later the heart svmptoms recurred, and sometimes very severely, so that he must stand still and breathe deeply, whereby the heart-symptoms were relieved ; in e. any sudden movement while seated sufficed to bring on strong beating of heart. — 25th. Heart symptoms on rising and all d. — 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th. Same symptoms. (Lembke^ N. Z,f. h, KL^ xii, 2.)

1. a. In Aug., 1877, I strongly inhaled a recently prepared tinct. (I am very sensitive to medicine). Immediately thereafter, I drove to see patients. On leaving house of first, I found difficulty in crossing side-walk to carriage. In 10 m. more vertigo had increased, there was constriction about chest and stomach, pain in heart and head, (jetting in and out becoming increasingly difficult, and nausea threatening emesis, I drove home. Vertigo was now great, causing me to red and stagger, and I threw myself on a sofii. f had violent pain in head, chest, and stomach. Head full as if congested ; great weight on vertex, pulsation and pressure outwards in temples, ears, and eyes. Objects not clearly seen ; intolerance of light and sound. Tongue dry and coated ; mucus in nares and throat ; very thirsty, satisfied

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with small quantity at a time; profound nausea, lay for hours with

basin beside me^ retching many times, with copious discharge of mucus. Terrible pain in stomach, with pressure inwards ; constriction of scrobiculus^ extending to hypochondria and as high as fifth ribs, as if encircled by hot iron cincture, pressing more and more from h. to h,, till respiration was most difficult and distressing. Some cough^ with mucous expectoration, greatly aggravated my suffering; and I had attacks almost approaching sufFocation^ with hard and painful beating of heart, which felt as if compressed violently, and as violently struggled to burst its bands ; I could not suppress a groan, so great was ray distress. Pulse was very irregular* Severe pain in spine, worse in lumbar region, pressing down glutei muscles to lower extremities; tearing pains in shoulders and arms, worse at first in joints, after 24. h. worse m long bones.

if. Symptoms increased for 12 h. I now remembered inhalation of C, and found its pathogenesis a perfect picture of my case. Ipec, ver, vir, and camph, were taken, but without relief. A most miserable n. was passed, not a symptom disappeared, though nausea and constriction were less distressing, and heart struggled less violently. Tongue next m. coated thickly white i 3 mushy motions during forenoon, with pain. N. found me si ill in bed, unable to raise head for vertigo j symptoms same. Had a few h* disturbed sleep, scared with dreams ; next d. was able to leave bed for a few h. Bone pains continuing severe, took eupat. perf., with relief. The 4th m. found me relieved of all severe suffering \ but I was well in no part affected cill 10 d. had elapsed, and remained weak for several weeks, with frequent attacks of palpitation, (E. Clark, M.D., Un. St. Med. Inv,^ April,

1879.}

5, Dr. Burt proved 3X dil. In doses of 100 to 500 dr. it caused some umbilical and hypogastric pains, with constant dull pain in cere* helium, ceasing when drug was omitted, but returning as soon as its use was resumed. He then took 600 dr., and in 4 h. had dull frontal headache, with flushed face and slight pain in bowels ; then soft stool, followed by quite severe pain in hypogastrium. {If^at. Ham. Ohs,^ iii, 239 : from Allen.)

6, a. Dr. Fitch took during some d. from 7 to 20 dr. doses of tinct. On 1st d, weie observed, — impulses to do something facetious or almost grotesque, which could be repelled ; slow in making up his mind to action, and deliberate in carrying it out ; at times during d. pressure in occiput, not severe, and relieved by quick exercise or mental activity j on retiring, this feeling amounted to heaviness and pain, with sensation as If brain were grown fast to skull, increased by lying on back, instantly relieved by turning on side so that occiput aid not touch pillow ; after 1 h,, for some m. soapy taste j stool was followed by blood (from piles) ^ slight priapism in c. ; after retiring, and before going to sleep, drawing pain for 10 or 15 m. in 1. axilla and neighbouring front of chest. On 2nd d. woke feeling splendidly ; slimy, weedy taste ; appetite better than usual ; sensation of something disagreeable in stomach ; a difficult, hard stool, afterwards fluid blood from anus j muscles do not accurately obey will (as in croquetplaying)

On 3rd d., soreness of abdomen, with distension ; motions henceforward loose and mushy, and no bleeding. Without date, — accumulation of mucus in throat (immediately) ; on retiring, some unsteadiness, almost amounting to staggering, a reeling sensation.

b. Took one dose of 197 dr. Passed immediately about \ pint of urine, having odour of freshly drawn green tea ; during d. felt remorseful as if he had done violence to himself, but nothing of consequence ensued, save some genital congestion and excitement towards e. Appetite was better than usual, and he slept soundly. {Med, Eclectic^ i, 190: from Allen.)

Volume I — Appendix

Caotos. — We are indebted to Dr. Rubini for a copy of his original pamphlet on this drug, annotated by himself, so as to denote the symptoms observed on himself and Mad. Rubini respectively (both of whom, he tells us, took 10 drops of the mother tincture daily). We received this too late to be utilised in forming the pathogenesis in the body of our work ; but are glad to present our readers with the following reconstruction of Dr. Rubini's part of it :

I. — 1. a. Dr. Rubini. On ist d., great heat of head and inflamed face, as if he had stood before a strong fire, also excessive pain in head, with maddening and suffocating feeling* "o that he cannot rest in bed, temples throbbing so violently that it seem^ as if skull would burst $ momentary dazzling of sight ; noise in ears, diminishing hearing during d., like rushing of river al] n. • during n. dry cough from itching in larynx ; great thirst, causing him to drink much water ; great desire to pass water, but can pass none for a long time, at last it flows abundantly ; after a very short rigor at 1 p.m., slight fever with pain in head, terminating with slight sweat at 4 pjn.; slight rigor at 10, great coldness for i h. at n. On 2nd d., feeling of emptiness in head ; again pulsating pain in temples, getting intolerable. On 3rd d., m., foetid breath ; insupportable heat in abdomen, as though something burnt him internally, abdominal walls when touched with hand feel burning and much hotter than other parts of body ; bilious diarrhoea, present also on previous d., with abdominal pains, 8 stools in d. ; sanguineous congestion in chest, preventing him lying down in bed. On 4th d., very great and intolerable pain in head, from congestion there ; acrid acid in stomach, which comes up into the throat and mouth and makes everything he eats taste sour. On 6th d., dazzling of vision, after which there appear before eves circles of red light, obscuring sight ; constriction in oesophagus, preventing swallowing, he must drink a large quantity of water to get it down into stomach ; slight delirium at n., ceasing on rousing up, but recommencing as soon as be falls asleep again. On 8th d., constriction in throat, obliging him to swallow saliva frequently. On 9th d., watery diarrhoea, very abundant each time, 10 motions in m., always preceded by pains and borborygmus. On loth d. talked nonsense while asleep at n., even when aroused speaking unconnectedly ; feeling of constriction in throat which prevents free speech, and on forcing himself to speak voice is low and hoarse ; constriction of neck of bladder, preventing passage of urine till after much straining. On nth d., vertigo from sangiiineous congestion to head. On nth d., face inflamed and red, with pulsating pains in head ; mucous diarrhoea preceded by drawing pains, 3 stools in d. On 1 5th d., extraordinary irritability, smallest contrariety putting him into a passion ; sensation of great weight in anus and desire to evacuate, but m^ing passes. On loth n., interrupted sleep, feels weary next m. as if he had not slept at all ; great appetite, but weak and slow digestion ; great itching in ankles, which next d. extends to lower part of tibia. On 24th d. a dry sca^ patch, » inches broad, appeared on 1. interna] malleolus, and on 38th d. came on r., while 'on 30th and 48th d. respectively similar patches appeared on r. and 1. elbow (outer side).

Besides thc^c symotoms, prover statefs that for first 5 d. lit had great burning in stomach ; for first 6 a, discolonition of fecc and emaciation; for first 4 d, weakness of sight, objects appearing as if clouded j tor ist ii d* pain m L mamma increased by touching and relieved by gently lifting it; for first 10 d» sensation of very annoying movement from before backwards in cardiac region, as if a reptile waji moving abfjut inside^ v%'orse d, than n, ; for first 15 d. sharp wandering pains m thoracic cavity, very annoying, especially in scapular region, anxiety recurring in c.j and transient sven^tion of weight in stomach every tune drug h taken ; for first t+ d. lo«v of appetite and nau^a; it is only by an effort he can swallow a few mouthfuU. After 3 d, pullating pain in temples and eani ^eKpecially r side) became continuous and very sevcrct and lasted 8 d., with feeiing of weight ; pulsations so severe ai to lift head from pillow, giving much annoyance and causing depression; pain making him cry out» mcrcased by sound of talking and by strong light. For 10 d. tensive pain in vertex also, recurring ever)^ and d. Another marked symptom for 15 d. was constriction ol chest, described as if hoop of iron constricted it, or a cord were tightly tied round it (at false ribs) ; this caused oppression of breathing, aggravated by movement ; heart also felt constricted, a& if an iron hand prevented its movements; on loth d, same sensation in throat; on jrd d. sense as if someone were pressing and holding chest tightly, so that he cried out, ** Leave me alone T"; on 5th d. constriction felt in shoulders so that he could not move.

Without note of time, he Is said to have experienced sensation ot gr^at weight in T. temple and eyebrow, diminished by pressure ; dimness of sight, periodically recurring, so that at a few paces he cannot recognise even his friends ; very slow digestion, even after 8 or 10 h, taste of food rises up in throat, all food cau«es weight in Ktomach, and so much suffering that he prefers to remain without eating; constipation as from hiemorrhoidal congestion, swollen varice«^ outside anus causing much pain, at anus itching, smarting and pricking a* with sharp pins (ceasing on nibbing) j formication and weight in arms, which cannot be raised freely, — 1» worst; ccdema of hands (specially L), and of feet and legs to knees, pitting on pressor*;^ He cannot rest still when sitting:^ but must throw his legs about hither and thither involuntarily; depression and languor all d. ; general malaise, and such weakness is to be unable to rise from seat ; great prostration of forces, so that he must remain in bed, not feeling able to use his legs.

b. Mad. RuBJNi. Was sleepless 1st n., without apparent cause, for 1 following n. from pulsadon in scrobiculus cordis and ears j for 5 d, tnore could not sleep in early part of n., and when she fell asleep she awoke suddenly. An unwonted melancholy, with great taciturnity and irresistible inclination to weep, alfectcd her for firt 6 d.\ on 7th became fear of death, thinking she had some incurable disease j on 9th took form of love of solitude, avoiding those about her who tried to comfort her On and d,, heavy dull pains in region of heart, increased on pressure ; on 4th d., acute pain there, impeding respiration and motion of body, continuing 4 d. more, with such painful stitches as to cause her to weep and cry out loudly ; all this time constant oppre.ssion and anxietas, as if chest were constricted with an iron hoop, and could not expand in normal respiration, with periodical attacks of suffocation and faintness, cold sweat on face and absence of pulse, — also constant great palpitation d. and n„ worst when walking and lying on L side, increased also on recurrence of catamenia. Sensation of great weight on stomach for first 8 d. ; loss of appetite on and and 3rd d* On 4th d,, distressing sensation in bowels as if serpent was twisring about there j on jlh d,, wandering pains about umbilicus, ceasing and recurring periodically; on 7th d., very violent pains there, almost causing her to faint, more or les$ all d. Constipation first 6 d,, on 7th diarrhoea of very loo^e fseces, preceded by great pain, % motions ftom 6 to la a.m., none later. On fir^t 4 d. urine more copious than usual; on )st n* involuntary escape, and for s n. more frequent desire^ with large flow ; on 4th d,, urine passed by drops with much heat, which next d. increases gradually and becomes insupportable. After 8 d. very painful menstruation accompanied by great prostration of strength, so that she must remain in bed 3 d. On ist d., general rigor, so severe as to maJte teeth chatter, lasdng 3 h, though she heaps blankets over her; succeeded by burning tor ao h,, with suffocation, pain in head^ and restlessness so that she cannot remain auiet in bed ; copious weat follovvs. After 13 d, quotidian intermittent fever periodically for many d , beginning with slight rigor at 1 p.m., then burning heat and dyspnoea, and (in e.) ^great pulsating pains in uterus and it nciffh-

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bourhood, extending to thighs, increasing up to 1 1 p.m.9 when all terminates with a slight sweaty and she is free till i next d.

Without date, — heavy pain in head as if great weight lay on vertex, with J?reat prostration and weariness, pain diminished by pressure, increased by sound of talking or any other noise ; heavy pain in forehead lasting d. and n. for % successive d., increased by strong light and by sound of loud voices or noises; pain and drawing in occiput, increasecT by sioving head, relieved by bending head backwards ; painful drawings in muscles of I. chest, which extend to shoulder-joint and impede respiration and free motion of arm ; nervous palpitation of heart, much augmented on occurrence of cataipenia ; constant and annoving pulsation in coeliac artery ; heavy feeling in stomach ; insupportable irritation m urethra as if she should make water constantly; urine reddish, turbid, very abundant, on cooling depositing red sand ; painful constriction in groins extendmg round pelvis ; general weakness, so that she cares not to do anything, speak, stand, or walk across room.*

• The symptoms without note of time were omitted in our former presentation ot the drug, as we had no assurance that they were not clinical only (which 40 symptoms in the list obviously and avowedly are).— Eds.

Volume IV — Appendix

CACTUS.

(See vol. i, pp. 655, 749.)

?,

I. 7. Dr. Conrad Wesselhoeft proved drug in 1873. "^ ^"^ *^^^'^ 9 years old, in good bodily health, making allowance for weariness _rom night work and general practice. The preparation used was a tincture, one ounce of which was given me by Dr. C. M. Weld, who obtained it directly from Dr. Rocco Rubini during a visit in Italy. Jan. 7th, 10 a.m., took 5 dr. of tinct., watching pulse j felt no effect beyond the natural slight acceleration experienced during self observation. 8th. — ^Took 20 dr. at 10 a.m. ; this was followed by accelera-

tion of pulse, and a perceptible but not disagreeable flush of warmtk O' head and face. The heart's action was of course synchronous with the pulse, but not abnormally perceptible, 9th. — Took 30 dr. The result was the same as the d. before ; and so on each succeeding d, until the ounce of tincture was used up, when I perceived nothing worse than a rather agreeable flush, acceleration of the pulse, cerebral stimulation, &c., as after a glass of wine, and no other effects Thinking that the alcohol might be the only cause, I repeated the experiment with pure alcohol (diluted with water) in doses rising from 20 to 40 drops (of pure alcohol to the dose), and perceived precisely the same effects as those following the cactus tincture, and no otben.^ {Communicated.)

1. Mr. F, H. Pritchard consumed ^iv, in large and small doset, and at long and short intervals, with equally negative results. {Ihid.)

2. Miss C. A. HuRD proved 10th dil.,drop doses, m. and e., in water. H*<)< in the head and sore throat before taking medicine. April 10th, 187+. — Hei early in m. ; dizziness through d. Pulsating in brain, with sensation as if br»in too large for its cavity, and would force the bones apart, nth. — Lassitude on riv headache in e. ; colic pain in epigastric region in e.,a slow griping pain lasting ^ h.; dizziness through d. ; roughness and sorene^u of r. side of larynx, cauMOg cougi without expectoration when lying down in bed, worse when lying on r. side. ufn. — Cough on waking in m., with raising of thick yellow mucus j diriinest with dull heavy ache in forehead over eyes. Hoarse harsh cough p.m., with hoariwicis Jt^ expectoration of heavy brownish-yellow mucus in e.,ana with some nausea. Dutil pams in 1. lumbar region when lying on 1. side. Soreness in larynx on r. side, lu bronchi. 1 3th. — Loose cough, with expectoration of clear transpaient mums] m. and through d. Hoarseness, with slight aching pain in the lungs, rno-f in : Drawing pain in forehead from without inwards; drowsiness when sitting down; weariness of mind with utter inability to study, i^-th. — Cough on rising in m., with frothy expectoration of transparent and yellow mucus. Headache in front, dull, heavy, with drawing pain in forehead. General lassitude and weariness. Cough in e. from roughness of throat, especially when reading aloud j loose, witb expectoration on lying down in bed. Cough after midnight persistent, preventing sleep, worse when lying on 1. side. 15th. — Dull pain in forehead during forenoon, worse after a long walk, better after eating. Hard drawing pain, alternating with boring and tensive pain, in r, half of head p.m., lasting an h. Cough, with expectoration of yellow mucus and soreness of throat. Intense tearing pain in forehead tnd r. side of head, extending into r. face, late in p.m. and in e. ; coughing increases pain in head j pain in teeth of upper jaw. Lying on 1. side prevents sleep. Waked by coughing at 3 a.m., cough continuing at frequent intervals till m., preventing good sleep. Lying on 1. side causes continual coughing. i6th. — Headache through d., decreasing towards n. Some pain in lungs. Some cough, with expector frothy mixed mucus, white and yellow. No cough through n. — sleep a refreshing. Have taken no medicine .since the m. of the 1 5th. {IM.) [ , died in less than 2 years from scirrhus of ant. mediastinum, involving both lungt, view of this, and of the catarrhal condition in which she commenced her proving, ' have given it in small type.^Eos.]

3. Another lady student took tinct. in drop doses m. and e. On April 23rd, slight headache in forehead p.m., with heaviness and pain in eyes. Heaviness of head in e. Irregular action of heart, sense a*_ of bubbling from I. side of heart. Weak feeling in wrists, with lit faint darting pains among bones of joint. 24th. — 2 dr. in m-, 3 dr. at n.^ without eftect. 2Sth. — 5 dr. in m., 6 dr. at noon, 7 dr. at n. No result, abtVi. — 'vo ^t.Tit TOaotv., \ A,x. i.t n. No cfect.

^Tth.— 13 dr. in m. Severe cutting colic pain a h. after taking the 'l^icine, with painful evacuation of loose stool. Severe ache in ^otefaead, p.m. Lameness and pain in last joint of r. thumb. 14 dr. *to. No effect. 28th. — 14 dr. in m. Some heavy headache during d. I'ameness and pain in thumb gone p.m. 15 dr. at n. No effect. (Ibid.)

1. David D. Hudson proved C. in 1874, doses not stated. (He faiew what he was taking, which the other provers did not). Frontal headache; steady, and convergent towards a point between frontal eminences. Heavy and dull feelings in head. Sense of confusion in brain. Running at nose of clear, colourless, viscid mucus, soon after taking first dose. Keen, piercing pain in posterior thoracic wall of 1. side. Thoracic oppression, worse on 1. side. Palpitation. Verv great excitalnlity of heart's action, aggravated by walking, and by physical or mental exertion. Great fulness of chest, and continual laboured breathing. Inspirations insufficient and unsatisfactory, hence frequent sighing respiration. Grasp upon heart, with dizziness, laboured breathing, and suffocative feeling. Weakness of voice, rendering speaking difficult, reading more so. Oppressed feeling and pain in heart, pain constant and crushing. Increased appetite and undisturbed digestion. Aching in hips, ankles, and feet. Feet dry and hot. Intense weariness throughout muscular system. Intolerable tired feeling. Sleepiness, yawning. Sleep at n. unrefreshing. Dreams ; working hard in dreams, and very tired on waking. If spoken to when dreaming, would answer rationally but retain no recollection of it. Nervous sensitiveness and excitabilitv. Mental excitement aggravates the thoracic oppression and pain in the heart. Apprehensive, unsettled. Communicative, but rather sensitive. (Ihid.)

2. a. Mrs. Osgood took (date unknown) i dr. of ist dil. m. and e. for 7 d. Pulsative or drawing pains in different parts or the whole (seemingly the surface) of brain in frontal, occipital, and parietal regi(»is. Pressure in eyes (gradually increasing during last 2 d.). Dull— -sometimes vague — pains in abdominal region. Considerable increase of nervousness in arms and hands (natural to some extent). General heat and perspiration ; great sensibility to heat. Sensations such as follow intemperate use of spirits. Vertigo and general bilious feeling. Stiffness, soreness, and uneasiness in back of neck, such as I have experienced from chills and fever. Sensations like tobacco sickness (save nausea). Pains (rheumatic, I should describe them) in arms, not severe. General indolence.

b. April 22nd, 1874, commenced taking 3 dr. tinct. at i and 6 p.m. and I and 6 a.m., 12 dr. per d. 22nd. — £., after 2 doses, felt indefinite disturbance in bowels, increasing to slight pain, with some flatulence; after midnight, having taken three doses, pain in both temples as from external pressure, not severe ; very slight vertigo. 23rd. — Noticed no abnormal sensations before noon, when what I can only describe as a bilious or fever-and-ague head returns j same as experienced in last proving, onl^ less in degree as yet ; abdominal disturbance increased, with distinct but not troublesome pain, and greater degree of flatulence. 24th. — Have experienced no n.QUcc»!b\« symptoms up to noon to-day except general unp\eMa.ntfe<^\tv^\xv>MaA.

25th.— Increased dose to 4 dr. No effect save occasional slight vertigo. 26th. — 4 dr. doses continued with no effect. Bad taste in mouth ato sleep, tongue covered with whitish coating ; this last has occurred from the first. On 27th dose increased to 5 dr., and on 28th to 6 dr., with no effect. {Ibid.)

1. Mrs. Whitcomb proved solution of 2 dr. of tinct. to 100 of alcohol, taking from April 8th i dr. m. and e. 9th. — Constriction, with stinging pain, in region of heart, lasting but a moment, about noon (unusual). About 5 p.m. feeling of suffocation, lasting but a short time, but occurring several times for an h. or more. Minii clear, but inclined to irritability. loth. — Darting pains in muscles of the legs, above knees and about hips. Nervous. The same feeling of suffocation and slight palpitation, iith, — In m. between 8 and 9, quite a severe pain in muscles of 1. leg, above knee. Nervous irritability i pain about vagina and uterus, with a good deal of yellowish discharge (unusual). 12th. — Quite severe pain, a.m., through thighs and muscles of limbs, extending to small of back, a feeling -as though about to menstruate (although not expected). The same nervous irritability, and occasional suffocation ; for a moment a stitching pain in r. side, in region of r. heart (I should think). [Ibid.)

2. Mahv L. Swain, April iSth.Just before breakfast, took 1 dr. of dno. id feaspoonful of water. 8.30, sense of great pressure through temples, which condomd about 10 m. Throat during d. felt furred, constant irritation there during pjs. Repeated dose at n. 1 7th.— Same dose upon rising in the m. In about i h. a nt of sneezing. Peculiar feeling in throat continued. Watery discharge from nose whai walking out of doors to-day. Discharge from head through passages of throat, having consistency but no colour. Sneezed several times during p.m. A pain in r. lung during afternoon, situated just to r. of sternum, a throb coming at mterrak Repeated dose at n. i8th. — Awoke to find throat somewhat inflamed. Discharge from head, white and pale yellow. Sneeze immediately after morning dose. Latter part of d. pain as of heavy pressure in chest over sternum, for space about liu of band, similar to feeling caused by clothing that binds tightly ; it produced an extreme sense of nervousness. Sneezed several times during d. ; some unpleasant feelings iD head at times. 19th. — Qu^ite long fit of sneezing before rising in m. Cold in the head. Consistency but no colour in what passed from nostrils. Continued prtMuit in chest, producing great nervousness, so that I was unable to sit in one position loo; at a time. Sneezing continued through d. at intervals. [Ibid.)

3. a. Mr. H. H. CusHmc. (Died of tuberculosis 2 years later, but was apparently well at time of proving.) Took 3 dr. of tinct. In 10 m. cold creeping and pressure over fissure of Sylvius. In 15 n. tendency to eructate j feeling in head continues. In 34 m. constriction in 1. side of frontal bone and around eye, followed by pain in malar bone. Took 7 dr. In 7 m. fJush of heat in 1. scalp, follou-ed by pressure and constriction at end of sternum. In 17 m. empty eructation. In 20 m, faintness and empty feeling at stomach. In 3001. burning in stomach and bowels. Took 10 dr. In 7 m. twitches and burning in muscles of cheek. Strong pressure over whole head. In Q m. tendency to eructate. In 15 m. creeping over 1. head. In 22 m. burning in scalp (I,) and general uneasiness. In 24 m. burning in stomach j continued burning and griping in abdomen ; eructation. In JO m. tensive cutting ^ivt& \n ^g^otortv wxd a.cound stomach. In

40 m. constriction over heart and laboured breathing. Took 12 dr. In 7 m. constriction at end of sternum } tendency to eructate } laboured breathing; hard griping in abdomen. In 12 m. creeping over top of head ; hands hot and dry ; pain in sternum, worse on walking. Took ao dr. In 5 m. burning over whole abdomen. In 8 m. heavy laboured breathing ; heat in head. In 30 m. severe cutting headache, 1. side, with contractive pain in 1. eyeball. In 35 m. heat in 1. temple.

t. Took I dr. In 10 m. slight pressure on top of head and slight eructation. In 15 m. distending pain of abdomen. Again, after taking I dr., in 5 m. congestion of blood to head, with oppression on chest ; and, in 20 m., short, sharp pain at pit of stomach, repeated at intervals. The head symptoms were varied by cold creeping over the iissura Sylvii, 1. side ; by headache in 1. temple ', and cutting and crawling and pressing ache in 1. side of frontal bone. Took 2 dr. Pressure as before, coming in 4 m. ; feeling as if 1. parietal bone were pressing on bnun. In 10 m. cold creeping sensation in same place. Took 3 dr. In 3 09. prickling in 1. hand, not very decided, nor repeated. Some contraction of eye-ball, and pressure on forehead. In 8 m. pressure on 1. side of head near top, as of a blunt instrument. In 12 m. the pressure extended as if there were an indented line made in the bone. Took 4 dr. In 3 m. pain in 1. groin. In 7 m. contraction of eyelids } sharp, cutting pain 1. side of head. Took 5 dr. In 6 m. darting pain in r. temple. Took 6 dr. In 10 m. pressure on top of head, with pain over 1. eve. In 17 m. continued swallowing. In 20 m. eructation, and feelmg of emptiness — as of faintness from hunger — in stomach. Cold creeping in head. Took 8 dr. In 3 m. stitch in r. side of sternum. Took 10 dr. In 8 m. contractive pain in 1. side near 7th rib, and at end of sternum. Pressure on top of head. In 10 m. pain over heart and at costo-sternal articulation on walking. In 18 m. shooting weakening pain in outer side of leg, just below knee. Took 12 dr. In 10 m. contractive pains about 1. 7th rib. Rather laboured breathing. Pulse slow and irregular. In 12 m. pressing pain in middle of sternum. In 15 m. crawling pain in temporal bone, front of 1. ear. (Hid.)

Volume IV — Supplement

CACTUS. (See voli, pp. 655, 7495 vol ivy p. $21.)

[The Cactus—more properly, Cereus—grandiflorus has now been found typical of the toxic species of the natural order Cactacee 5 and an active principle “Cactina” has been obtained from its Mexican variety, C. mexicana, experimented upon in animals, and found in practice to exert the influence on the heart claimed for the C. grandiflorus by Rubini and those who have followed him in the school of Hahnemann. We give here some observations with it, and with other species ofthe order}

Cactina, alkaloid obtained from flowers and stems of Cactus mexicana.

III. 1, Toa dog weighing 6°5 kilogr., pulse being 180 and arterial pressure 145, C. was given by intarvenods injection in doses increas ing from 002 to o'4 grm. In 22 m. 7 such doses were given. Pulse gradually rose to 222, till, ort grm. being given, it fell to 190, and after 0°4 grm. to 164. " Parallel therewith the arterial pressure increased till it reached 202,—with the slackening pulse falling to 178 and 140. Respiration was little affected at first, but towards end fell (from norm of 28) to 19 and 15. After the o°4 dose clonic and tonic convulsions set in, which did not cease when cord was cut at and cervical vertebra. Death soon ensued. Faradic current to motor nerves produced contraction. Autopsy shewed marked spinal hyperaemia.

1. In another dog, whose vagi were cut, pulse-rate and arterial pressure were similarly increased by an intra-venous injection of 2 centige.; and a strong Faradie current through the vagi failed to arrest the heart's action. The sympathetics were then cut ; but pulse-rate and pressure, under fresh doses of C., only slowly declined. Convulsions set in at 18 m., and death ensued in 22 m.

Cereus Bouplandii, Parmes. A variety of C. grandiforus,

I. 1. Dr. J. H. Frrcw took repeated doses of tinct., 330 dr. 1—3 times ad.” Our space will not allow us to give any of the symptoms (258 in Allen) of this somewhat voluminous proving save those of the circulation, which are as follows :—On 1st d., when retiring at n, felt severe convulsive pains at heart ; they continued several h., and returned towards m., when, feeling his pulse for a m., he noted several dicrotic beats and intermissions during chat time.” During and 4. sensation at heart as if a great stone lay upon it soon after, as if chest was broken through just in front of heart. Slight pricking pain at heart. At one time feeling as if heart was transfixed by a blunt instrument, All through proving felt strong desire to antidote the very powerful action of the drug on the heart and nervous system.

(ALLEN’s Encyclopedia, iii, 80.)

Cereus serpentinus, Haw.

Lt. Dr. Frrei proved this also, taking 15 dr, of tinct. rst d.,

.

^^ 3» o° 3^ d* l^c circulatory symptoms were:— On and d^ inentar7 sharp pain thrusting through heart, followed by sighing aspiration. On 7th d., pain at heart after retiring. On 9th d., 9'5<> P-m., paralysed fiwiing at heart. [Ibid.^ p. 85.)