Apis mellifica

Volume I — Main text

APIS. Apit milHfica^ L, Honcy-bet.

I. Provingt. — i, — a. Dr. F. Humphreys, 25th August, cook on tongue, at 2 p.m,, i drop of a tincture made by irritating bees in a bottle and then pouring alcohol on them. In 5 m. slight pain in L temple soon followed by contraction and gnawing in throat. 4 p.m. Whole border of tongue feels scalded, and is as painful as though it were quite raw j small papule-like elevations along border of tongue. 9 p.m. Contractive sensation in throat increased, rendering swallowing difficult. Tongue very painful, the burning raw pain increases, vesicles appear along its border with shooting pain. — 26th and 27th, The feeling as if scalded in mouth and throat continues. Small elevations of the skin like ants* bites appear over the external end of the 1. eyebrow, pain as if raw and are very sensitive to pressure.

b, 2nd Nov., 8.30 a.m., 2 dr. of 1st dil,, 5 to 100* Immediately violent sneezing, then pressive pain in sinciput with vertigo. Pain in r. shoulder and upper arm j pressure on chest. Transient smarting itching over r, eyebrow. Pricking itching in l. eye, on lids and round about eye, mostly in inner canthus. Pricking itching in throat, deep down in it, as if in root of neck at the last cervical vertebra, with contractive sensation. — 3rd, Painful stitch in muscles of r. side of nape, worse when head is bent to that side, not when it is moved in any other direction, occurring on rising. Burning like fire on small well-defined spots on hands, for several m. Itching of r, eyelid in fits during d.

€, 6th Nov. took 2 dr. 2nd dil. Soon slight pressing in occiput. Itching in 1. inner canthus. Painful pressure in 1, eyeball, mostly oa its lower part.

d, 19th Nov. 2 dr. 2nd dil. Fine burning pricks in fingcrtips. Head confused and dull. Fine burning pricks in knee. Sharp tensive pain from nape spreading upwards behind 1 ear and over 1. side of head. Shooting in both little toes. Itching of eyelids. Pain in sinciput with confusion in head. Disagreeable pain in sinciput. Sticking together of lids. Pain around 1. eyeball, — 20th, Shooting in r. eyeball. Slow pulsating boring pain above left crista ilii, relieved by eructation* Tensive pain in !. shoulder, spreading up nape. Burning shooting and swollen feeling about 1. eye in supraorbital region. — 21st. Restless tossing about the latter half of n. — 22nd. N. sleep full of dreams. Lids stick together, must open them in m. with finger. Sensation as if a quantity of mucus were in 1. eye all d. — 23rd, Soft stool m. Sharp pains in cbest, n. Sticking together of lids. Irritable humour all d.— 24th. Stitches through chest and back, n. Eructation with taste of white of egg. Soft urgent stool m. Sleep at n. full of dreams. Irritable humour, nothing is right, everything wrong. — 29th. Stool confined for several d. Copious accumulation of thick phlegm in throat, causing frequent hawking, m. Painful vesicle as tender as a boil, with red areola, suppurating in middle, on left side of J hairy part of pubes, remains painful for several d. ^|

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#. Dec. ist tDoc f ZT. zi'z z'. >:•:- r-rc -.r * rJ.'~i ir.z backs of hands. ^r», :":rih^i:- --:—!:- f-^?. ir.c :-. r*:cT i: shaxpir dennec sm^ll spzzs. T;-f ;-. r : f zt ;■•' r.ips .r :: :•;"■. r.i ear. Violent skarr pizr.: it-: r. -jf, txTtr.; r.r i.'^r. :: ;v*-il., transient. — Dec. 2-f. HsLTSfr.rs^s sjii r:_r- - : r* i" z. I'.z .isz r..

yi (Dose nci srited. Swtl rr ::" 1 ps ^-.i s-ss-z'.tr. :tt\ r.z ::' several d., followed zj 2. r'.z'zz tr.zrzz r. .r.i i^:_: :r.=— ir.i ir.r.i^? and exfoliarion of liwer lips. Ri.g'"-?: ir.i rVe'.r.g :f :e-?.rr. .r. lips, cspeciaiiy the lower. Dirk =:r:r<< £:r.z :""e ztz z: :r.e lirs, mostly on the upper lip ; :: := rr-gh, chirpe-i, ir-i ex::.:2:e5. E\ery few m. must pass warer zll c.. sit;.- hi-r.zz liksr. 3:;i:c:r.e the e. before. Smarting shcorir.g ser.iaticr. :r- r. eTc'r=l! caus'r.g now o: tears. Pain in occiput, i.-cre-itd bv shikirg hesi. B-rr.ir.j or. edcc of lids causing eye to warer. Itchir.g in '.. ir.r.er cir.rhu*. Burr.ir.g or" toes with redness and he^: of rhem, whili: the :"«: are cole. Niusci seems to rise up in hi* throar. Bum:.-.; rhoorirg 2? from r.re or. chin and cheek-bones. Burning shoorlng in region o: I. eyebrow. Burning at upper part of I. ear.

g. (Ibid.) Sleep at n. full of dreams. Twi:ch-n2 of r. lid. Nausea and inclination to vomit at n. with disagreeable feeing and rumbling in belly, as though diarrhxa wojld come on. Sticking together of lids. Soft urgenlt stool, m. Headache over eyes %"irh pains through eyeball, dull, heavy, stretching, for about i m. ; this occurred twice.

A. Put some of the tincture on his tongue June 14th. Immediately crawling in fingers of 1. hand, prickling and feeling as after a blow in lips and nose. *" After 8 h. stiffness of "tendons on left side of nape^ painful when head fs moved toother side. {Jmir, J^znt-ipriifungen.)

1. A married woman whose menses had once failed to appear, which had never happened before, took, loth April, 2 dr. 2nd dil. ist d., pain along forehead, just above both eyes. — 2nd d., some discharge of blood from vagina without pain or uneasiness. — 3rd d., slight increase of the haemorrhage. — 4th d., syncope and violent metrorrhagia with weight in hypogastrium, restlessness, yawning and great anxiety. Took puis., then bell., whereupon the restlessness ceased, but as the blood continued to gush forth took sabina, whereupon the discharge diminished, but lasted several d. longer, till at length a foetus of 2 months was expelled. {Ibid.)

2. Dr. C. Herikg took, 28th Feb. 8 a.m., the poison of one bee. After I to 2 m., a distinct bitter taste at back of tongue and fauces. After 15 m., pain in abdomen, slight^ followed by urging to discharge flatus J after 20 m., a loud discharge of stinking flatus. After stool, rumbling of wind. L. arm numb. Violent pressure on a small spot in upper part of 1. side of head (after pulling on boots]. In 1. half of fiwre, especially about eye, feeling as if it would swell, very transient. 9.30 a.m. The pain in r. tendo Achillis worse than usual. 10.15 a.m. Violent shooting burning pain in a small spot at 1. lower part of nape ; also in 1. arm and 1. side of occiput, but less severe. 1 0.30 a.m. Violent pain on, above, and below 1. knee, more above to the side and front, itching of palms, worse on 1. side, in small burning spots AH this

before or after drinlcing cofFcc, which seems not to affect the action* — - It till 11.30 a.m. R. eye full of tears, which sometimes overflow. Noon, a kind of coryza. Burning itching here and there, especialljr severe on 1. thigh posteriorly* Tired, bruised in all limbs, especially back, just as one feels in the m* after great exertion the d. before, especially felt on rising from seat, must stretch himself even in the street, 12.30 p.m. Severe burning stitch in upper part of sacrum. Afternoon, headache in a small spot inwardly on I. anterior angle of head, above outer end of I, eyebrow, remains all d., worse on coughing (still some next m.). I p.m. Violent pain about first 1. upper molar, seems to be in connection with headache. Desire for coitus during d*, when sitting in room and driving in carriage. In lower part of K knee in front, violent transient pains. 3 to 5 p.m. Curious inward trembling feeling, as after an illness, with a kind of shuddering (without coldness or shivering) running over back, chiefly in its upper half. 6 p.m. Dryness under tongue, going off on moving tongue much. All c. headache and some cough in single impulses* At n., before midnight, woke up from other causes, and had violent cough from a crawling irritation in windpipe, near pit of throat. At each cough increased headache, above on the I. After 4 h. some phlegm is detached and swallowed, and the cough ceases at once. — 21st. Headache continues, less severe, more extended. Desire to change occupation, will not remain long at anything i at same time, confusion of head. Yesterday and to day, some pain in back under scapulse, worst on r. Very foetid flatus. Burning twitching like a pricking contraction in r. thumb, chiefly from without inwards, also on other places similar sensations. Yesterday and to-day, marked increase of micturition. Stool scanty, pappy ; piles remain externally. Now and then, violent pains on outer side of 1. knee. Pain in interior of r, ear. Burning places here and there, especially on back, which itch also. Coryza e., slight stoppage of nose, and now and then drops from it ; dread of cold, which, however, does not aggravate, whereas warmth aggravates. E. very sleepy early. Severe cough, especially after lying and sleeping^ the tickling on a small spot low down at back of windpipe wakes him. When coughing head is painful (L), must bend head back so as to diminish the pain caused by the cough. Cough most in warmth and when at rest. As soon as the smallest portion of phlegm is detached it is relieved. — ^22nd. M,, r. eye waters, Cory^a continues but is dry, only a little moisture on blowing nose. Nose feels congested as though it would swell, but no soreness. All d., the same bruised feeling in back, chest, last ribs, worst l,,on a spot as broad as the hand, as though the muscles beneath were sore. For several d. diminished appetite, though the tongue that was previously furred is now clean. — N. between 22nd and 23rd. Cough retards getting to sleep. Woke about midjnght with same cough. Distinct tickling behind and low down, which causes irresistible violent coughs. After repeated attacks a small lump of phlegm is detached, and he gets rest. Must bend head back when coughing, never had a similar cough. — 23rd. M,, crawling as of an insect on inside of r. knee for several n,, frequently repeated. Nothing visible there. Always in m. small, yellow, thin stoolS| to-day a few drops of bright-red blood after stool, not unusual.

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—23rd and 24th » Cough only e,, not at n.^ — 24th and 25th* Internal burning at a hang-nail on outside of r, fourth finger, where there is much inward pain, but no redness. Also inward burning on tip of finger. For more than a week the stool remained thin, pappy, bright yellow, then it became darker. Also the burning at the finger-tips recurred occasionally for a week. {Ibid,)

1. Mr. Langstroth, a gentleman fond of natural history, had occupied himself for 8 or 10 years in the study of bee life. During that time he was in the habit of frequently killing bees and tasting the honey they contained j in order to ascertain whence it was derived. He very often got the poison out of their poison bags on his tongue, and he noticed that its taste was aromatic bitter. On learning that the poison of the bee was capable of producing morbid symptoms, he remembered that his health had not been so good while making his bee investigations as it was previously \ and this although he led a most regular and careful life, took no wine, beer, or spirits. In order to try if, perhaps, the bee- poison he had swallowed during all these years was the cause of his ill-health, he took the poison of a bee on his tongue, and that same d. many of his troublesome symptoms returned, and lasted several d. The symptoms that had troubled him these 10 years were the following: often tiresome prostration ; loss of all power, with trembling feeling. Occasionally disagreeable sensation in head making him unfit for mental work. The head is too full as if of blood. Weight and pressure, and often sudden rush of blood to head. Cannot bear close rooms, especially when over-heated. Head confused and dizzy, weight and fulness in top of head, dull pressure in top of forehead down totemples, as though it would burst; dull pressure in head on rising up from sitting or lying ; sometimes throbbing in head, worse on moving and stooping, transiently relieved by compressing head with hands» Reading increases the headache. Pressive pain over eyes and round eyes, relieved by external pressure with hands. Pricking itching round eyes on eyebrows, lids and eyes themselves, worst on K, especially in inner canthi, with inclination to press or rub the eyes*strongly ; at same time a sore pain on borders of lids and in canthi and eyes, quivering of 1. eyeball. All d., feeling as if there was mucus in eyes, especially in 1. Full feeling in eyes and weak sight. Behind 1. ear, a pain similar to that over the eyes. Violent drawing from nape to behind L ear, spreading on 1. side of head. Very tiresome pains In gums. A quantity of vesicles and small sore red places on tip of tongue and 1. border of tongue. Raw feeling in throat, with frequent inclination to hawk. Occasional roughness and sensitiveness in larynx, soon after smelling poison. In upper part of chest sometimes pressive pain, sometimes sharp stitches through chest. Rheumatic stitches on r. side of nape. Stiff neck. Pressure under scapulae, where it is painful when moving. Stiff feeling in sacrum. When drawing off boots and stockings, e,, the feet often swollen- Very disagreeable sensation in bladder with forcing down upon the sphincter, and such frequent urging to pass water, that not only must he urinate many times during d., but must rise 10 or la times at n. to do so. When urinating, burning and sore pain, uneasy feeling in spermatic cords. Very restless sleep, wakes often at n. i

constant dreaming. Nervous restlessness, especially last half of n* Has not the slightest refreshment from sleep, brain seems to have no rest d. or o* Busy dreams full of care and trouble. Often felt as if flying away in the air. One n. after talcing a dose for trial was plagued the whole n. with an artificial flying machine, the wings of which he tried in vain to set in motion. On 3rd d. of last trial, had a very contrary, irritable and angry humour, so that nothing could be done to please him. Everything was wrong for him, though he had had no cause to get out of temper. [Ibid.)

1. C. KiNDERMANN, medical student, i6th April, 6.15 a.m., took 12 dried bee-poison bags at once» On the places where the bags softened the taste was narcotic, astringent, and irritating. After 2 to 3 m,, there came a taste exactly like that of sweet almonds ; 15 m. later a dull compression on both sides of forehead from supra-orbital border to frontal sinuses, not amounting to pain. This lasted till 8 a.m. at breakfast. After this it went off and no other symptom showed itself. {Ibid*)

2. Dr. W. Helmuth' look, in 2 provings, 80 drops of a tincture made with the poison of 10 bees in 100 drops of alcohol. After i^ h. raw feeling in throat, with thick viscid saliva that adhered to hard and soft palate and tongue, at same time weakness and ill-humour. This lasted 4 h., then a dull heavy pain in r. parietal protuberance and soon afterwards violent eructation of wind. The headache was not relieved by pressing on it. Next came shootings in forehead and temples j numbness (or insensibility) of fingers especially about roots of nails ; rumbling in belly, with urgent call to stool ; burning in face with sensation of fulness as if blood-vessels were too full ; dull pain all over head, relieved by pressure ; nausea, vomiting of food and diarrhoea ; the faecal evacuations lumpy, not very foetid. Drowsiness j weakness ; vomiting of bile j the dtarrhcca continues with some tenesmus ; the vomiting recurs, the matter vomited is a thin, watery, very bitter fluid, with violent pains across hypogastrium j raw feeling in anus and almost incessant urging to urinate j burning in urethra while urinating, and slight feeling of stricture near the bulb of the urethra. Great desire to sleep. Very distinct numb feeling at finger-tips, and sensation as if the finger-nails were loose j dysenteric stools with much tenesmus, and after stool sensation as if the bowels were bruised ; increasing weakness with diminishing headache. Sore feeling in stomach and belly. Extreme sleepiness. In n. sleep woke four times with great thirst for cold water. {Ibid.)

3. Dr. BiGELOW proved tinct., manner not stated. Dread of death, or sensation as if he should not be able to breathe again \ weight and fulness in upper head ; burning and throbbing in head aggravated by motion and stooping, tem^xirarily relieved by pressing head firmly with hands, with occasional sweat for some h. j oppressive headache when in warm room and reading \ violent aching pains through temples ; sensation of whirling around in sight, with difficulty of seeing at same time lasting a moment only j hurried and difficult respiration, with fever and headache (2nd d.) \ short rapid breathing at n. ; pulse 95, full and strong (2nd proving) j occasional feeling of chilliness, with dispo-

sition to yawn 5 slight rigor soon passing ofF, followed by fever at n. ; sweating and dryness of skin alternating. {Horn, Provings^ cd. by Metcalf, 1853.)

1. a. Dr. Bishop proved tinct. Dull heavy feeling, inclining eyes to close, desire to rub and press them forcibly ; yellow watery diarrhoea, with griping ; bearing-down pain as in early stages of parturition, in several cases ; sensation of soreness in chest, pains, bruised feeling, as if jammed, bruised, or beaten in some recent accident ; sensation of melting heat in region of diaphragm, as if from running violently ; sudden flush of heat over back, as though sweat would break out, accompanied by pain at 1. sacro-iliac junction ; sensation of burning heat and stinging at various portions of surface at same time. [Ibid,)

b. Same physician records the following case : — Miss R — , at. 40, for pain in ovarian tumours of some standing, without pain or fever, took 3 dr. of 2nd dil. in dosi refracta^ followed by 1st in same manner. Effects (which began before ist dil. was taken) were as follows : — General headache, very severe, with great sensation of pressure or rush of blood to head \ throbbing, painful, burning sensation in temples ; smarting burning in eyes, conjunctivae much reddened, great sensitiveness to Tight ; peculiar burning heat of face for 24 h., followed by somewhat livid and purplish appearance ; severe burning pain under short ribs on both sides, most severe on 1., lasting there more than 2 weeks, during which she could hardly sleep ; greenish-yellow slimy diarrhoea, perfectly painless, coming on about 24 h. after ist dose, and lasting i d., during which she had twelve motions ; urine diminished one half, though scanty before taking medicine ; severe scalding in urinating ; feverish heat, increasing for 36 h., then followed by severe shaking chill at 5 a.m., in which she felt very cold but was not so to touch. [Jbid.)

1. Dr. Hays proved tinct. Dull ache in occiput ; slight agglutination of eyes in m. ; jumping pain m upper I. molars ; violent eructations, tasting like yolk of eggs ; nausea, as from throat j pricking pain in stomach as from needles ; in abdomen rumbling, as if diarrhoea would come on ; sore feeling in m., when sneezing or pressing on it • dull pain \ sickly feeling, disposing one to continue in sitting posture ; throbbing in rectum ; sense of heat and stuffing in anus \ loose lumpy stool i loose urgent stool in m. ; sensation in rectum resembling an electric shock, slightly painful, followed by urging to stool j stool natural, but preceded by emission of flatus and a small quantity of almost colourless water, containing lumps of jelly-like mucus stained with blood ; stitch-like pain in urethra ; hoarseness and rough voice • stitches in 1. chest, under heart, and at n. through chest and back • slight oppression of chest, with frequent desire to draw long breath • dull pressure under scapula, with sore feeling on moving parts ; slight sense of stiffness in nucha and small of back ; dull pains apparently in bones of legs, arms, and fingers ; sore feeling of flesh of legs, leaving while walking, returning while sitting ; prickling all over body, most on palms and back of hands, face, and forehead, chiefly at circumscribed spots. [Ibid,)

2. Dr. Kellogg proved tinct. On 3rd d. sense of dulncss in

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forehead just over eyes, and sudden darting pains in 1. elbow of brief duration ; on 4th d, odour from axillary glands becomes much increased and very penetrating ; on 5th d. somewhat frequent desire to urinate, with uneasiness in spermatic cord ; on 6tb d, this aggravated, with burning in urethra j at n,, on removing boots and socks, feet were found highly swelled, with sensations of weight and stiffness, upper parts of feet were bright red, felt rigid and itched ; soles and balls of toes had painful sensation of fulness, and in walking gave sensation as if cushioned.* Prover had also transient darting pains in external malleolus of 1. ankle for 4 d. j and his stools were soft and pappy, seemingly mixed (as if beaten up) with serum of orange colour* {Ibid.)

1. Dr, Wells seems to have taken a drop of 3rd every m, for 3 d. On 1st d, heaviness and pressure in head set in i h, after dose, and lasted 3 — ^4 d. ; also itching and prickling of lids of r. eye \ dryness and heat in throat and prickling heat on tongue ; general sense of heat, worse in chest and stomach ; sensation of fulness, tension and pressure in chest; dull aching pains in 1. chest near middle of sternum, several times with sense of fulness in chest and short breath ; burning of feet ; itching pricking of skin on different parts, most on legs, throughout d, ; pulse increased from 65 to 77. At n., heat with agitation, frequent waking, and dreams with vexatious cares about business. On 2nd d. dull heavy headache on rising, continuing till 3 p.m. ; dryness in mouth and throat, tongue feeling as H burnt, and in m, copious accumulation of soapy saliva ; more frequent inclination to urinate, with some burning before and after emission ; in m. stil! burning heat in chest and stomach ; blotches on body and backs of hands, with stinging as from nettles ; general feeling of lassitude. On 3rd d. urine high coloured, scanty, and frequent, with burning as before ; boring pains in temples set in, and continued for several d. at intervals. Prover also notes : Loose stools 8 d, in succession ; pain near heart at n., almost arresting breathing, continuing for some d. at intervals; disagreeable dreams about friends \ sensation as of movement from place to place, mostly travelling by rail ; general sense of lassitude with trembling. [Ibid,)

2. SwAMMERDAM says that he tasted the poison of the queen bee. First he noticed a bitter taste, which subsequently became more acrid and pungent, and spread through the whole buccal cavity to the jaws and caused a flow of saliva. The tongue was affected in the same way, only less, as after chewing Anthemis pyrethrum (P, officinale)* There was also observed a great movement in all parts of the mouth, as though he had taken 10 or 12 dr. of the strongest alcohol. He afterwards tasted the poison of other bees and wasps. It had the same effect, only the poison of the worker-bee was much milder than that of the wasps. [Jmer. Jrzneipr.y p, 252,)

3. 8.15 a.m. Health good, pulse 65, took 10 drops 2X in ^ oz. of water. Soon itching of scalp, extends to face and neck. 8*20, Lachrymation and watery nose, itching continues. 8.25. Repeated eructations, thick mucus in pharynx, itching extends to thighs and hands. 8.35. Drawing in 1. biceps, 8.47. Desire to urinate, ringing

♦ Symptoms of 6lh d. are said to have been *' from large doses." — Eds,

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in ft car, much mucus in throat, itching at intervals. 9. Pulse irregular in frequency, 62, ache in r. ulnar nerve, cramp in r. arm, occasional eructations. 915. OccasionaJ sneezing and watery eyes, 9.22, Stitching or pricking pain in r, nipple, extends into lung, 9.35. Urinated, urine strong odour (unusual), stinging in r. caruncula, eyes watery. 9.45. Chilliness while eating, much eructation after j drawing in r. arm with burning of anterior surface. 10. Stinging in r. palm, after in region of heart, usual stool and urine. 10.10. Fulness and aching in r. testis, sharp pain in r. temple, followed by mental depression. 12. No appetite for lunch, scant urine, occasional stitches about heart, cramp in 1. shoulder, mental depression continues. 12,30. Shooting pain deep in pelvis, soreness of 1. testis. 4, Urging to urinate, u. scant and dribbling, cold, damp feet, sexual excitement without cause

5, Hot face, cold feet, urging to urinate returns, sneezing, pulse 72,

1. After moderate meal, distension of abdomen and dyspnoea when lying down, strong desire for stool, passed flatus freely, urinated freely. 10. Excited brain, febrile heat, pulse 80, flushed oedematous face, sneezing at intervals, with considerable lassitude ; urinated scantily three times during n. (unusual). [Commu fit cation from A. W. Woodward, M.D.)

II. P&uonings, — i. Alexander S. Baker, farmer, aet, 25, of light complexion, brown hair and blue eyes, robust constitution. Had always been accustomed to work among bees j had been stung repeatedly ; never with any serious effect, except slight swelling, which disappeared after a few h«

a. In August, 1858, was stung upon the tip of the nose. It instantlv struck through his whole frame like an electric shock, thrilling both ends of his fingers and toes. He immediately started for the house, distant about three rods, which he reached with difficulty, being scarcely able to walk, staggering ; mind bewildered ; head felt big, confused. Upon reaching his home the heart palpitated violently, so as to be sensible to himself and audible to those in the room ; faintness, *'death-like ' prostration, which continued half an h., accompanied with intense anxiety and " distress' at stomach, oppression of the chest, dyspnoea, short rapid breathing, pulse accelerated i nausea, followed by yellow and bitter vomiting at 45 m, after the accident. At this time had a chill, with shivering, accompanied by a terrible racking pain all through the head, with increased prostration ; no pulse at the wrist i blood settled under toe- and finger-nails ; ears purple ; jactitation of the muscles j complete loss of consciousness, followed, after half an h., by flushes of heat, mixed with chills. Skin extremely sensitive to contact ; painful to the slightest touch ; could not bear the sheet upon him ; red and white blotches over the body and extremities, like nettle-rash. After the lapse of about 3 h, he recovered his consciousness, and the headache gradually disappeared, leaving him much prostrated, unable to concentrate his mind, with confusion when attempting to read or study, lasting some weeks, attended by frequent attacks of vertigo and blindness.

if. In September, 1859, the same man was again stung in the same region, producing the following symptoms: — Sudden prostration, with

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coldness ; pulseless at wrist for 20 m. ; rapid feeble beats of the heart ; dyspnoea j it seemed impossible to breathe ; " had to fan him to keep him alive/* said his father. This was succeeded by hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, and copious watery diarrhoea, twitching of the muscles, rash, red blotches, with great sensitiveness of the skin to contact. This sensitiveness of the skin extended all over the body. Bursting, expansive pain in the head, attended by vertigo and confusion of the mind j was unable to think clearly or express himself* Drank about half a pint of diluted alcohol, as an antidote, without experiencing any intoxicating effect. The critical symptoms disappeared after three or four hours, leaving him much prostrated, from which he was a long time in recovering. Has not been able to endure hard labour since ; is affected, upon exerting himself, with headache, expansive pains all over the head, vertigo, and palpitation. (M Y, St, Horn. Soc. Trans.y iii, 104.)

1. Miss — was stung by a bee on r, neck ; a few m. thereafter she experienced sensation of heat and stinging extending over whole body. Face became much swollen, and eyelids puffed up j lids everted. Sickness at stomach ajid pain over whole body, latter so severe as to occasion crying. Body covered with large wheals, slightly raised, and quite white j interspaces being deep scarlet. Pain in head and eyeballs ; mouth very dry ; throat constricted, as if something were lodged there j deglutition painful. About a week later, when symptoms had subsided, patient had an attack of nettle-rash. (/^/V,, N. S., i, 152,)

3* Mr. — has frequently been stung by bees. In 5 or 10 m, he feels, as first symptom, a heartburn j he has also experienced frequent and long-lasting erections as an effect. {Ibid,)

4, A girl, set. 25, was suddenly attacked, without known cause, by the following symptoms i — ^Face bloated, cyanotic ; respiration slow, difficult ; commencing pulmonary oedema ; sensorium confused \ pulse small, quick ; extremities cool. All r. arm was swollen, and cubital, axillary, and cervical glands on that side enlarged. On offering water, which patient urgently demanded, sudden convulsions, with expression of utmost anxiety in face, as in hydrophobia. Convulsions also occurred when physician accidentally took hold of forefinger. In middle of this finger a bee-sting was observed sticking, surrounded by a small red areola. On removing this, convulsions ceased, and therewith dread of water. Patient rapidly recovered, and next d. was quite well, save for weakness. She said symptoms commenced almost immediately after being stung, [Mg. horn, Zat,^ xcvii, No. 5,)

5, After a sting on the eyebrow, sudden sinking of the vital power, violent vomiting, copious diarrhoea, cold limbs, pale face, violent, cutting pains in abdomen, pulse weak^ scarcely to be felt j no redness or pain at the place where the sting was made, only after the other symptoms had gone some redness of the stung point was seen, (Bishop, Am* Arz., p. 230,)

6, A boy, xt. 7, when playing, was stung by a bee on the finger. Some chilliness all over, felt very unwell, had to go home and lie down. On undressing saw eruption of nettle-rash aU over, that itched much, (Raue, Ibid,)

7, After a bee-sting on finger there came a red place with some

swelling and a painful stripe along the arms^ in course of lymphatics, and sickness even to vomiting* (Hering, Ibid,)

1. A girl, aet. 10, who had often previously been stung by bees without anything following but burning pain and redness, was stung in the neck under the maxillary bone. In \ h. she began to feel burning and pricking in hands, especially palms, which got very red. Cold water relieved the burning. The same sensation soon spread on whole face, which got very hot and red ; she had also nervous restlessness, so that she could not remain in one place, and the tears came imo her eyes. The upper lip was so much swollen as though it were turned inside out. Countenance so much changed that she could hardly be recognised. Soon the burning spread to the feet and was now all over body. When undressed she was found to be covered with red places the size of a hand, as though they had been scalded. This was 40 to 50 m, after the sting. She had a severe rigor, though it was a warm day. The face remained swollen. She complained of great anxiety in head, and the whole nervous system seemed much affected. After sleep gradually became better, and next m., 18 b. after sting, was well. (Langstroth, Ibid.y p. 231.)

9* A boy, aet. 10, was stung by a bee on r. commissure of mouth. At once feeling of general numbness, and after a few m. the most violent itching like needle pricks, had to rub the whole body with cloths in order to allay it, After rubbing he was observed to be covered from head to foot with small, white spots, as after gnat-bites. This lasted i h,, then swelling was considerable. In a few h. the r, eye was completely closed and the 1. nearly so. Cheeks and nose were on same level, chest like a great board, the lower part of the cheeks hung down towards chest. ihe swelling lasted several d. (Coxe, PhiL Mid. Museum^ N. S., i, 1 50, 184, quoted in /A/W., p. 232.)

1. A man, aet. 26, was stung by a bee on the cheek, but felt no inconvenience. A quarter of an h. afterwards he was stung on the lower surface of the tip of the nose. He suddenly felt an indescribable sensation through the whole body, with a pricking feeling, and white and red spots on the palms, armSj and legs. At the same time tears flowed involuntarily from the eyes, the nose and face swelled, he became hoarse, lost his taste, had pressure in scrob. cordis and difficulty of breathing. On the way home, about half a mile, he felt a great desire to sleep, with increasing dyspnoea, and on reaching home his face, neck, chest, and limbs were considerably swollen, and the other symptoms had increased. He drank a little water in which salt was dissolved, and dabbed his face with it. Soon afterwards he had a rigor with cold limbs and nausea. He got 10 gr. Dover^s powder and several doses of the expressed juice of plantain, also a lotion of plantain and lettuce. Plantain leaves were laid on his face, and in about an h, the symptoms began to abate. The swelling of the face lasted several d. and the prickly feeling returned after exertion for several weeks. (James Mease, Am. Journ. if Mid. 6V., Nov., 1836, quoted in Ibid.^ p. 2360

1 1 , A woman was stung by a bee between the mammse. In about 10 m. the toes of both feet felt too large, swollen, and stiff. Soon

3ao

the same sensation came fn the head ; it felt so large she looked in the glass to see if it were actually swollen. Then the whole body felt too large. She felt so queer that she lay down at full length on the ground, she knew not why, because she did not feel so faint, only so queer, that she thought she should die. She was bled, but without relief^ then she got ammonia and laudanum and felt better, but the whol^ abdomen was covered with very elevated long stripes. (HEIUNa^ /i/V., p. 239.)

1. A man was stung by a bee in the K testicle. The part swelled to such an extent that there was scarcely room for it in the scrotum, with tensive feeling and the most violent Itching. Soon afterwards the whole I. side of the body swelled, first in the joints, where lumps appeared which looked somewhat inflamed and itched violently. The cervical glands also on the stung side were swollen. Soon after the sting he felt a faint sick sensation under short ribs and all over abdomen. This lasted 3 h. At same time dull heavy pain in sinciput and sides of head, relieved by pressing with hands. (Raue, Ibid^ p. 242,)

2. A woman was stung by a bee on the temple. Immediately she got pain in teeth, trembling and working of lips and tongue, dyspnoea, retching, several fainting fits, whereon perspiration broke out all over and an urticarious rash spread all over the body 5 then rigor, copious evacuation of blackish-brown, green, and white faeces, stitch in the side. Next d* well. (Mdller, Aied, Gtrresponden^hL d* IVurUmk. arzt, f^er.y ix. No. 3, quoted in Ihid.^ p. 243.)

3. A robust man, set. 35, was stung by a bee on the top of his head. He felt no pain on the place. In 20 to 30 m. his toi>gue swelled,* then his face, especially about eyes j the swelling then extended all over the body. The swollen tongue prevented him speaking, and soon his breathing from the same cause became so di^icult that the doctor found him in danger of suffocation about 45 m, after the sting. The breathing was gasping and difficult like that of a child with croup. The whole body was covered with wheals, but without change of colour, indeed the wheals were whiter than the rest of the skm. The upper eyelids hung down over the eyes on to the cheeks. He could not put out his tongue, could not swallow a drop nor speak a word. He was bled to 20 oz. and was soon relieved. [Philadelphia Public Ledger^ 22nd June, 1852, quoted in Ibid ^ p. 243.)

4. — a* A middle-aged man was stung behind Lear. Shortly after a sudden dizziness came over him, and his head became so full that he thought he was going to have a fit. These symptoms were followed by rigors ; when he felt so ill and weak that he at once undressed and went to bed, not without considerable assistance. He made a fruitless attempt to urinate, and thereupon followed the state of skin to be described.

^. ' I found him in bed, very anxious and alarmed about himself, ♦ ** There is scarcely a rtmcdy that has siich marked symptoms of glossitis a Apis. In Ofie case of poisoning the inHammatory swelling was not tlic result of a sting on the organ, or of the introduction of the poison into the stomach, so thai the inflimmation might be accounted for by local action ; but it occurred after a sting in the temple, showing that the virus had a speciHc elTcct on the tongue.** (BXhh, B^€^ of Tkrr., tr. by Hempel, i, 313.)

although at times he was in a half unconscious state» and slightly delirious. He was swollen all over, but more especially about face and neck, abdomen, and limbs. The entire skin was covered with a red rash, very much resembling scarlatina, only, if anything, of a less bright colour and somewhat rougher to the feci than the common type of that exanthem (the smooth scarlatina of Sydenham). The skin was hot and dry, the breathing oppressed, and the pulse quick, but somewhat weak. He complained of fulness and confusion in the head ; the face was flushed, and the eyes suffused/' After camphor and belladonna, speedy improvement ensued ; he passed an unusually large amount of urine ; gentle diaphoresis followed ; and the swelling subsided as rapidly as it had arisen. After some h. sleep, all traces of the indisposition had vanished. (Chepmell, Hints for Study of Homctopathy^ p. 135,)

1. A boy of 10, while dressing after bathing in a river, was stung on r. haSd by a *' yellow-jacket ;' * immediately commenced itching and burning all over, and when he reached home *' was all broke out." He was found covered from head to foot with elevated circular and oblong patches^ which soon ran together, forming an entire blotch over back, arms, and legs. Eruption on its first appearance was white, but on rubbing parts would become pinkish. It was accompanied with intense itching, stinging, and burning, causing continual scratching and rubbing. Patient was otherwise quite well, and pulse was but slightly quickened. Under Ledum 5 eruption soon subsided. (Hahn. Monthlyy Sept,,

1875.)*

1. In Oct., 1875,3 child was stung by two wasps in r. supraorbital region. The stings caused no inflammation, and soon healed ; but, some d* later, her father brought me the little girl, who had lachrymation, with a little redness and burning, of 1. eye. Towards its centre the cornea presented a whitish patch extending some millimetres : the sight was naturally obscured. Merc. soL was prescribed, and in 10 or 12 d. a cure was eifected ; but some d, later a new opacity appeared in L eye, which departed under same treatment. (Dr. Casal, BulL dt Sec, Horn, de France^ xviii, j 12.)

2. I am 37 years old, nervous, of sanguine tern pe ram en t, and have good health* My voice has always indicated rather weak bronchial organs. Never had a cough, however, before I experienced bee poisoning. I began bee keeping on a somewhat extensive scale m the year 1878, and it has been my sole occupation ever since, I have had as many as 550 colonies in the apiaries at one time. Seven years ago I began to notice an itching sensation in the ears. This would come on at times \ and after about two years it extended to the glands inside the mouth, and near the root of the tongue. After about one more year the sensation began to be very severe in the roof of the mouth, just around and in front of the palate. It was at this time that I iirst discovered that the affection had a connection with the bees. To sweep the floor of one of my rooms where bees had fallen and been trodden upon was sure to bring on this sensation at once. Next I

• This case and the following have been introduced ro show the identity of effect between bec-stings and wasp^stings, in view of the clinical experience in favour of Apis in inflamroation of the cornea, — Eds.

found that to open a hive and breathe the odour of the bees (especially if not thoroughly subdued) would also cause the trouble. But business must be attended to, and I persisted in working among the bees and bee-hives till the itching and tingling sensation crept down the bronchial tubes all around about the lungs. One n. after a day's work among the bees I woke up about midnight with the asthma. I was not sure then that bee poisoning was the cause. Finally^ I began making tests. Leaving the whole business for two weeo I was almost entirely clear of all except the first symptoms in the ears, which only troubled me occasionally. The first breath of bee poison I inhaled on my return was followed by all the former symptoms, seemingly in an increased degree, and in lo m* my throat turned red, and clearly showed severe irritation* I resolved to hire more help, add to the business of honey production that of manufacturing and selling bee-keepers* supplies, and in that way absent myself from contact with the virus to a greater extent, and yet keep busy. I have done so, and am in consequence quite free from the trouble most of the time* But if I at any time come in contact with the poison my symptoms seem to be as radical as ever, ycs^ even more so, I will cite one instance. All apiarists know that often when a maddened threatening bee flits around one's head it discharges into the air its poison. It is recognised by the nasal organs only. Now, I have found that this occurs when none of the five senses of the healthy bee-master recognises it. One d. last autumn, after I had kept from all contact with the poison for some weeks, and had no troublesome symptoms, I stepped into my yard, when an ugly bee passed within about eight inches of my face, discharging poison as it passed. About one half hour after I was seized with perhaps the most severe paroxysm of my experience* First symptoms were an almost unbearable itching^ tingling sensation of the roof of the mouth, and so on down the breathing tubes as far as they extend, then an asthmatic filling-up sensation* For more than 8 h. I could not speak aloud. For 2 or 3 d, I could not raise my voice above common conversation. All passed off, leaving me as well as ever, by keeping away from the poison.

In correspondence with one Italian and one German of large apicultural experience in the old countries I learn that such cases known there, {Jas. Heddon, Horn, Physician^ April, 1882.)

Volume I — Appendix

Apis.— In I. 3 J. I, for ** 18th ** read *< 10th."

In IL 17, I 5. for ** 1878 ^' read " 1868/'

Mr, Langstroth (see I. 4) reports that in 1874* hy which time he had become impervious to the sting, he sold all his bees. Next year, he extracted some stings for a friend who wished to hare the poison. That n., a moaning in sleep (which used to come on at beginning of each year's work among his bees) recurred severely ; and therewith was intense drjness of tongue and tauces; sense as of heartburn; smarting of eyes ; heavy drooping sensation in lids ; breaking out of fiery spots over varioiin parts of body ; disposition to almost tear flesh of checks j dreaming of most excited

• In 1. 4, for "increased" read ** inwards;" in i, A,, I 3, for • aching'^ read Etching," in I. 13, for "embarrassed " read «numb/ t In L 5, for » about '* read " above.*'

kind, full of violent motion. Some of these symptoms recurred subsequently at every contact with bee-poison, even on receiving letters from those who handled bees, until he began to keep them again, when his former comparative invulnerability returned (Horn. HTorld, Jan., 1886.)

Volume II — Appendix

Apis.-P. 320, 1. 2 from bottom, for " Soc. " read " Sc." After II. 17, insert the following : 18. a. Miss H- is actively engaged in bee-culture, and has frequently been stung; but until now the accident has never been followedby constitutional symptoms. In the early part of this summer (1887) she was stung one d. through gloveson end of one of r. fingers. In less than 2 min.she felt intense bodilyheat, instantly accompanied by violent itching all over, "as if stung by athousandmosquitoes." Itching was most intense inl. palm, where and elsewhere flesh was raised in hard lumps. Simultaneously came feelingof fierce anduncontrollable restlessness; she could not keep still an instant. She appeared excited, but did not feel so, restlessness being wholly physical. Violent and continuous sneezing set in, with profuse watery discharge from nose and eyes; eyes were bloodshot, face of dark red or purplish hue, andhead and face felt andlooked swollen. Miss H- next experienced stiffness of lower jaw (soon amounting to sense of absolute fixation), which extended to tongue and throat, rendering speech difficult and unintelligible, and causing in throat extremely uncomfortable constriction,with single, spasmodic, hacking cough at short intervals. There was some difficulty in breathing, especially on inspiration. Her medical attendant found throat, especially uvula and arches of palate, enormously cædematous, most so on 1. side,deflecting uvula to r. Restlessness and excitement gave place in short time to profound depression, approaching syncope ; but

soon recurred, and then the two states alternated frequently and briefly, till after 6 h. they subsided. Next d. patient was well as usual. b. Amonth later she was stung, about 7 p.m., on upper and inner part of1. thigh. Sting was drawn out, and for 10-15 min. no symptoms appeared; but then came stiffness in throat with difficult articulation; then terrible restlessness, more intense than ever. Dyspnea was extreme and alarming; she felt as if she must tear away all clothing from neck, and walked the floor in greatest distress for breath, face purple, head thrown back, eyes bloodshot and protruding; each inspiration was accompanied by a crowing sound, which could be heard across street. Sneezing was less marked, but there was some watery secretion from nose and eyes ; great obstruc. tion ofnose, with inability to breathe through it. Jaw felt stiffand fixed as before; throatwas even more cædematous, and distress extended below larynx to upper part of lungs, which soonbecame very sore and sensitive. The most marked feature of the present attack was the violent cough,which came on about h. after sting; it seemed excited by constricted feeling in throat, but reacheddown to sore place in lungs, causinggreat distress ; itwas deep, hard, and ringing, and continued without intermission for 3 h. Her physician also mentions twitching of muscles of extremities, which was controlled by warm foot- and hand-baths. He states that pulse (as before) was very small and frequent. This attack had no period ofprofounddepression, but only quiet sinking weak feeling after violent symptoms were past, with desire to be let alone. Ledum was administered with benefit, and at midnight she was comfortable enough to go to sleep, and slept quietly during remainder of n. Next m. uvula seemed to fill up throat and rest upon tongue, but this gradually improved. Some stiffness ofjaw and throat stillremained; traces ofcough continued through summer; and soreness inupper chest had not goneby end of September. (CAROLINE HASTINGS, M.D., N. Engl. M. Gaz., Nov., 1887.)

Volume IV — Appendix

APIS. (See vol, i, p. 310, 74S ] vol. ii, p. 7«j.)

^ 1. 14. A medical man took for an irritation of the throat i^ minims

•^pis B in water, supposing it to be lachesis 6. He was then gaJ-

*'sing a patient. In about 3 m. he felt a violent blow in the occipital

. 6»On, and began to feel very strange ; the sensation so increased that

j^ '^ad to stop what he was doing. He then sat down and noted his

P^'^^ptoms as they arose, as follows : — Swimming sensation ; sense of

•^Siriction in throat; twitching of muscles and slight trembling;

^ '^Cral sensation of fulness and weakness of co-ordinating power,

^I'-^^cially in hands j oppression at bottom of sternum ; pain down I.

g^'^^r nerve; weight and tension at back of neck ; dimness of sight ;

t£ '^^e of weakness in upper limbs; slight numbness of 1. hand, par-

^ ^larly of ulnar fingers. (This subsequently increased very much,

1^ ^ amounted to complete anzsthesia of 1. ulnar fingers, also want of

^^»^^er, with incomplete anaesthesia of both hands.) The sensation for

|^,A^ich he took the dose (" pain as though an oat-husk had stuck in the

^^^id fossa") suddenly disappeared soon after its ingestion, and an

49*

habitual irritability of the bladder was diminished. {Monthly Horn. Rev.^ xxxii, 451.)

II. 19. In 1S77 I was stung by a wasp on the r. cheek. Nextd., a)K>ut 4 a.m.^ I was suddenly awoke by a burning and stinging seiuation in my cheek, and a great soreness and smarting along the course of the lymphatics down into my neck. I found my cheek much swollen and red, and there was a patch of redness about the size of a florin that felt as though it were being pierced with red-hot needles. The temporo-maxillary joint was stiff and painful, and a feeling of soreness ran along the gums to the tonsil on that side of my hot. After bathing the affected parts for awhile^ I got into bed again, feeling somewhat relieved, and fell asleep ; but about 2 h. afterwards I was again suddenly roused, this time by a sense of suffocation and difficulty oT swallowing, and a renewal of the former distress with intensified severity. Feeling alarmed, I obtained some hot water, to which I added a few dr. of ledum 0, and fomented the whole of the affected region until the severity of the symptoms abated. During the remainder of that d., and for 4 d. afterwards, the attacks continued to recur in paroxysms of more or less severity. The submaxillary and cervical glands on that side of my face became increasingly swollen and tender until the 4th d., when these conditions began gradually to abate, but in the immediate locality of the wound the pains assumed a more constant character, throbbing, smarting, and burning, with periodical stinging and lancinating, and lasting thus for more than a month, though the wound suppurated and discharged freely. The constitutional disturbance consisted of slight rigors and febrile movements, felt mostly in e. (Rowbotham, The Organon, ii, 79.)

1. Mrs. A., act. 40, not pregnant, for abdominal enlargement and cessation of menses took 15 dr. of tinct., and repeated dose every 3 h. The next m, her second r. finger began to swell (except the tip), the middle joint especially J it was red and hot; there were burning-stingine pains, with tingling extending up arm to body and down r. side and leg to foot ; pains were worse from sundown (5 p.m.) to 6 — 8 a.ra,, preventing sleep ; they were relieved by hot applications and gende rubbing, or by pinching end of finger, but aggravated by cold applications. Apis in high dilution aggravated ; improvement under ledum. (Tinker, in Allen's Encyclopadia^ x, 307.)

2. Mrs, H. was stung by a bee on I. forefinger. She immediately put her finger to her mouth* to relieve pain by suction ; but in a few moments felt a prickling sensation in lips and tongue. This sensation extended rapidly over face, temples, and head, and thence over entire body, — the sensation now resembling the pain in the finger from the sting. A few m. after the accident there was so much tumefaction of face that the eyes were nearly closed, and the lips and tongue were w much swollen as to interfere with speech. There was distressing sensation of fulness in head, patient declaring that her temples would burst. She complained of oppression at chest, and inability to take* fiill inspiration. Skin was intensely red, and covered with an eruption over entire body except the feet, resembling urticaria, causing dtsties**

• She had ulcers in her mouth produced by krvosote.

49i

There had been severe rigors. PiUse was 87 aiid full. The most prominent symptoms were promptly removed by an emetic, and convalescence ensued in a few d. (Spalsbury, Boit. Mtd. and Surg, yourn., liii, 285.)

1. Mr. Walker, a bee-keeper, sought to render himself proof against bee-stings, allowing himself to be well stung on the wrist. The whole forearm was airected with a cutaneous erysipelas, and there was disorder of the nerves, accompanied with heat, redness, swelling,

' and pain. The day after this attack was over he allowed himself to be stung 3 times more on same spot. The attack which followed was less severe, but, as before, he felt a stinging sensation as far up as the shoulder, and he noticed that a lymphatic gland behind his ear had increased considerably in size. By repeating experiment inflammation

I grew less and less each time, and at last he could undergo stinging with almost complete impunity. (Lancet^ i874> ii) 8^3-)