Kalium nitricum

Volume III — Main text

KALI NITRICUM.

nal

Potaviic nitrate, KNOy Nitre, saltpetre.

I. Proving!, — I, Hahnemann, Chronic Disfosa, part iv. of origt- , vol. of translation. Contains 58S symptoms from self and 3

others, and 122 from authors.

1. a. I applied a thermometer to the pit of my stomach, and found that the highest degree to which the thermometer would rise was 98°. I then took 3J of N. dissolved in ^j of water j 2 m, after this my pulsations were reduced from 72 to 64 ; 4 m. after they were as low as 62, and from that time they began gradually to increase, till at the end of 10 m. they were at 70, and soon after at 72, the exact number at which they were before i took the draught. About 20 m. after 1 had taken the N., on looking at the thermometer, the mercury had risen from 98° to 99^^, and in 20 m. more it was fallen again to 98^, and my pulse still continued to beat 72 ; this was exactly, in every respect, the state in which I was before I took it. As the rising and falling of the mercury in all the subsequent trials was extremely regular, I shall leave out of my narrative of the following experiments the observations I made on it, and lay it down as a postulatum that whatever power N. may have of cooling the body, it does not exert it in any perceptible manner on its external parts.

b. About an h. arter I had taken the Hrst draught I took a second. Mv pulse beat 70 before I took it, but in i m. after no more than 60, though it soon became quicker, so as at the end of 10 m. to beat 68, and in a few m. more 70. As soon as I had taken it I felt a chilliness all over mv body, but more particularly at my stomach, which continued for about 20 m. to give me a good deal of uneasiness. It then began to decrease, and in little more than \ h. was entirely gone off.

c. The next d. I repeated the same experiment. Before I toolc the dose my pulse beat 64 ; the 2nd m. after the strokes were reduced to 60 j the 5th m. after they were 63, and soon came to 64, as before I took it.

^. The d. following I took a drachm dissolved in 2 oz. of water. Before I took it my pulse beat 73 ; the 2nd m. after it fell to 66 \ the 4th m. after it rose to 69 ; and from that time became still more

frequent, till at the end of 9 m. it had recovered its ui lud sttenj was at 73.

e. Twenty m. after this dose I took 5U of N. dissolved in 3 oc of water. After 2 m. nny pulse was weak, fluttering^ and unequal, and beat about 70 in a m. ; soon after i felt a painful senasoioa at ^ upper orifice of my stomach, and on arising from my chair, it mi with some difficulty that I walked through the room \ I then retuiaed CO the chair and felt my pulse again ; it was now become ao quidCi fluttering, and irregular, and my head was so giddy that I could not exactly number the strokes it beat, though, as near as I could they were between 96 and 100 ; in atwut an h. every disagreeable symptoms began to abate, and continued slowly all that d. ; the next m. when I got out of bed they were entinfy gone ofl^

f, I dissolved 3iss in 3 oz. of water, which I left la h. nrpoacd to the air, and then swallowed \ immediately before I took it my pulse beat 64 ; the 2nd m. after it beat the same ; the 4th m. after it beat 59, and from that time began to increase as in the former experimeno till it came to the standard at which it had been before I took the N.

g. I dissolved 5VJ in a quart of water, which I bmn to drink early in the m., and by taking small draughts of it as often is I had convenience, I finished the whole at 8 that n. without feeling any uneasiness from it, or being sensible of its having operated any other way than by urine.

h, IVo d. after I dissolved i oz. of N. in the same quantity of water^ and drank it in the same time -y it gave me no uneaainets, had any sensible effects.

/. Some d. after this I dissolved i^ oz. of N. in 3 Iba. of and took a draught of it every h., except in bed ; the whole was drunk in 24 h. j after 4 or 5 draughts I felt a slight chilliness at my ttomach every time I took it ; but this generally went off before the time of taking the next draught, and on that account gave me but litde pain.

j, I now resolved to try what would be the effect of the aaow quantity of N. when every diflferent dose was taken immediatelv on ili being dissolved. For this purpose I divided i oz. into 8 equal parts, and took one of these parts, dissolved in 4 oz. of water, every 90 Ok The weather at this time was very warm, and therefore the fint 3 or 4 doses cooled and refreshed me ; the fifth and sixth, hovever, gave me a chilliness and pain in my stomach ; the seventh eighth increased these sharp stinging pains, not only in my stoi but through my whole body, which were so violent that for 15 m. aftw each dose I could not breathe without feeling a \tx^ acute pain on every inspiration.

k. As 1 had been able to take i^ oz. of N. with very little incoiivenience when it had been long dissolved, 1 resolved to make one effort to try if I could manage the same quantity, when every dote taken immediately after being dissolved. 1 therefore prepared 8 powders of ^iss each, with a design to take one of them every 90 wy, as in the last experiment \ the second dose gave me a chilliness at the

stomach ; the third gave me some of the above-mentioned pains, and the fourth increased them to such a violent degree that I was obliged CO desist from taking any more. (Alexander, Exp. Essays^ l77oJ

1. RuMMEL proved 1st trit. June 7th, 1837, took, p.m., 6 gr. Soon after, great hear of face and of upper lip ; hands hotter than usual, without acceleration of pulse. Roughness in nasal fo^iscc, as if catarrh was impending. Slight dull hissing in ears. Sli2;ht afflux of water into mouth. 8th. — A large painless pimple on inside of lower lip, which lasted for several d., but disappeared without suppurating. Drawing in tibia. At 5 p.m. took 10 gr. Dull prcssive pain in r. chest over false ribs, later going^ towards pit of stomach, and remaining there some time, with much eructation and noisy emission of flatus. Some chilliness and yawning soon after dose; pain as after a blow in hams ; transient tearing drawing in middle finger of 1. hand ; pressure on stomach changes to sensation of hunger. 9th. — On waking, eyes a little inflamed, as in catarrh, with pressure, especially in 1. Frequent attacks of tearing-drawing in parietal and frontal bones, with confusion in head. Stool delayed. Oppression of chest. loth. — Oppression continues, especially in m., with pressure at stomach ; pricking shoots in glans penis j some soft stooh j towards e. head confused again, with drawing in sides and front, i ith. — Pressure at stomach and oppression of chest continue, obliging him frequently to draw deep breaths ; confusion and drawing again in head. i2th. — Stomach somewhat painful in m. and head confused in e. (Jrchhy xvii, 2, 123.]

2. ScHROEDER, after having long observed a homoeopathic diet and satisfied himself as to his perfect health, took, June 20th, in m., as much N. as would lie on point of penknife, repeating dose at 9 and 10 a.m. Murmuring in ears, as of running water; borborygmus ; pinchings in transverse colon. 21st. — At 6.15 a.m., a teaspoonful in warm water. Nausea in stomach, slight burning and pressure, eructations ; scanty soft stool ; shootings in 1. sacral region on sitting. At 8, repeated dose. In e., strong tinnitus in 1. ear ; pressure of flatus and feeling as if diarrhoea would set in, a few drops of thin fluid escaping with wind. 22nd. — At 6.30 a.m., a heaped teaspoonful. Disgust and shudderings some time after ingestion ; nausea in stomach, burning and pressure recurring and lasting nearly all d., slighter towards e. ; pulse frequent, hard ; breathing quickened, with sense of febrile weakness in whole body. At 8.30, a second dose. Pressure in forehead above root of nose, and sense of tension of skin there. Starting in muscles of r. arm. At 10 and 11, repeated dose. Soon after last teaspoonful pinchings in stomach. Painful swelling of 1. epididymis behind and bcluw testicle, to size of hazel-nut ; testicles sensitive and retracted, with pressive feeling within them; pain in pubic region on touching it ; smarting in urethra during micturition, on finishing act burning pain, — urine reddish ; pressure towards both ears and temples. 23rd. — In m., pulse quick and hard, breathing accelerated, with febrile weakness and tremor ; p.m., shootings in r. chest between 5th and 6th ribs. In e., pressure and tension in forehead as yesterday (quite unwonted with him). 24th. — Pressure in stomach, relieved by eructations, m. ; tearings in metacarpal bone of r. index and in wrist.

Disagreeable hypochondriacal state of mind ; he ii difcontentcd widi himself and everybody, sad, irriuble, and avene to adi mental *Rfi i^m. {Ibid,)

1. LiER, June i8th, at 7 a.m., ^cing, took 5 gr. of N. Nothing occurred save eructation, borborygmi, and unusual iatulence,— fine extending to following d. 20th. — At same h. repeated dose, with same result ; also much thirst. 8 p.m., pressure and darting paiiii transient, in r. chest. Omission of usual e. stool. Sound sleep till midnight ; after that frequent dreaming, and waking iTom dirncM of tongue and mouth, with thirat. 2ist. — On rising, be ii atiU sleepy and weary ; later, he feels better. At 3 p.m., hard stool, with viomt straining. 22nd. — At 8 a.m., 15 gr. Eructations and flatulence ai before. Anorexia and much thirst ; towards noon, sensation at if oesophageal mucous membrane was covered with thick viscid aracos; towards e., vomiting after drinking some Bavarian beer. No atooL Sleep restless, disturbed by anxious dreams, in m., dryness of tongue and mouth. 23rd. — During whole m. pressure under sternum ; p-m., frequent shoots, of brief duration, in 1. chest; frequent presaure in rectum, with hard stool at 6 p.m. Sleep good. {IhiJJj

2. a. FiNZELBERGER, zt. 26, Junc 7th at 6 a.m. took 6 gr. of xst trit. Immediately, eructations, sense of heat in stomach. Preaaivc headache, especially in frontal region ; general relaxation ; distaste ibr work ; and somnolence, — all coming on 3 — 4 h. after dose, and in c Lancinating pain, lasting some m., in knees, elbows, and shoulden, lasting longest in 1. elbow and increased by movement ; it is awM^ jg afternoon than in m. Lancinations in r. chest, returning 3 times at about i h. intervals (6 h. after) ; later, sense of fulness under atemnm^ increased by deep breathing, and causing short, dry, hollow rma^km No appetite, much thirst ; tongue white and coated ; pressure in re^Mii of stomach. Flying heats in face, which is red and burning; then, in c. chilliness, with hard and frequent pulse — a febrile state. In urinai ~ burning in urethra towards meatus ; urine clearer than usual, no ment (as there had been before), and quantity diminished. dry and hot, no perspiration even towards m. Sleep interna sometimes by dryness of mouth and thirst. 8th. — In m., pulse but still too quick. Frequent paroxysms of cough, generally panied by expectoration of a solid bronchia! mucus, sinking in and not dissolving on shaking ; during rough, pressive pain behind sternum, followed by soreness. Distension of epigastric region | caste* less eructations, once with gush of water into mouth ; thirst, anorexia. tongue white coated. Towards e., fever; tonsils and uvula ted a swallowing saliva painful ; repugnance for pipe, general depressioiu 9th. — During n., sleep frequently interrupted by cough and expecto* ration ; towards m., moderate sweat. Sore pain in throat. Same sensation behind sternum on coughing, and rattling there. Xho phlegm seems to come from the depths of the chest. Tongue coated. no appetite, fulness of stomach. (Three doses of ipecacauanha 3, at 4 h. intervals, checked cough, which was annoying.) loth. — -Sleep good ; two attacks of cough and expectoration towards m. ; slight pain in throat and in r. frontal sinus; dry coryza. Sense of fulness in

6t

stomach, little appetite, tongue clear. Urine very cloudy, soon depositing a thick yellow sediment. Hard stool. Symptoms of chest and stomach continuing some d. yet, he toolc more ipecacuanha, and they all disappeared by the 15th.

i. On 13th, at 6 a.m., he took 4 gr. of N. Soon after, burning in stomach, then pressure there j eructations all d. No appetite for breakfast, but he was thirsty. An h. later, cough lasting j h., with red face, and at last some mucous expectoration i this returned several times. Hressive pain under sternum all d. ; appetite bad, tongue whitecoated. Frequent sensation as if he would have a liquid stool, but none came til] next d. and then it was very hard. In urinating, burning at urethral oriticc, and frequently sensation of itching in the glans. Lancinating pain in r. shoulder^ then in knees ; several times pressive pain in frontal sinus; work is distasteful. Towards e., pulse is hard and somewhat quick. He drank wine in e. ; n. was quiet, and next d* he had no further symptom. {Ibid.)

7, a. NicoL took from Jan. ist — 8th, 1 gr. ofN. each e. in water. Up to 8th health was perfect ; but towards midnight of that d. he hid somewhat violent pain in 1. parietal region of head, which lessened when he put on a cap. Thinking that other symptoms would follow, he left off medicine ; but nothing further occurred, save that on 15th he found a dull green spot on 1. side of thigh, where he had had no contusion. From 23rd to Z5ih he took each e. 5 gr, 24th. — Weakness and pain in r. shoulder, most in front, only while arm was at rest, with cracking on movement as if in tendon of biceps \ similar pain \i\ first joint of r. ring-hnger, but only during flexion and extension. 25th. — Felt nothing during d. ^ but soon after e. dose had in I. knee, pan same pam as in shoulder, &c., yesterday. After some h. sleep, awoke contrary to his wont, and experienced slight dull shoots of pain in front and lower part of 1. chest. Next d. he was well and remained so but for a cory?^.

b, March 13th — 2ist, took 10 gr.of I, trit. every e. 15th. — At 6 p.m., sudden desire to cough, caused by tickling to r. of throat-pit, as if in r. bronchus, eased by slow, deep breathing \ it lasted about i h, 1 6th and 17th. — Very well but for the coryza, which had remarkably increased j and this continued, with hoarseness and cough, till lirsc week in April. From 19th to 22nd, frequent emission of clear urine, and occasional rheumatic pain in r. shoulder. From 24th to 27th he woke 2 — 3 h. sooner than usual, and his head ached in a warm room. On 27th, there came on suddenly in m. and lasted till e. severe pain as if bruised in scalp, and painful beating in occiput and temples, — former relieved by prcssmg head strongly. At noon, for about an h,, pain in bend off. thigh whenever he went upstairs.

c. April 24th, his health being perfect, took 3SS of N. 27th.— Had continued well, save for slight painful sensation at inner side of r. knee, only felt in walking. 2gth, — Took 100 gr. Slight sore-throat in e., which was worse next m. after exposure to cold. Alay 2nd. — Health being again perfect, took lOO gr. Previous pain in shoulderjoint now returned, especially in throwing arm forward. In m. 2 soft stools (unusual). From May 19th to June 2nd took daily, fasting,

-VV^ gr. 20ch.— Soon aftct ri>ing, tU^ht cpbtmxn ^ pLtn.-, firilri Hit. — While JD bed, acuic beadAcbe ia r* verrcx^ a» if Headw^M bur»c ; won afcrr risings btcc<lmg from L novchl, whcrcupoa facade dtMppearvii. June lit. — Slight tr> *ry tvrelUng on r- tide ^

pdair. VVtth cxccpbiMiof chu^ojiU •> ■■ ^nd truutciu paias iabo^

he experienced nothing. Fron 5ih ni 17th each d. 3 gr^ vkm ^tiag. Soon after i»t dn«e, duD p^ini in forehead and vertex^ omcii 1. i tbcr were itrongcr and mt>re continuous than Sc/orc Thcf £1* appeirrd row4fdi fo a»m., bui rcrurncd afirr dinner, a.nii lasted &riaB e. From thence tiJ} )Oth he Jelt weSt, and had Kardiy any headjdKO ftpc4k ol, Thjt AftemiKKi friah }uini in r. hip and anicJe, ]ikeihiC<^ shoulder, but trAn»wn(. Next d. thnc piins were wt>r»e»and werclriL il»o in L ihnulder and ankle, cspcciallr fn walking; later there wa lentive pain intteri]oma»to^dand ihght headache an turning bead. t2tk. •— Juini pains gone, save in 1. shoulder on raiting arm* eftpeciaJlr ifntf ^lUo thrown bjckward. StcntcKcnasuMd pain wntse. Slight ansinis]^ Jdnguof. I jth. ^Shoulder saoic ^ angma and laRguor Icsa. Fcllastee? at 0 p,rn,t during which twitching in facial iiiiocie*. On r4tb. ftk nothings but on I5ih r. shouJdcr pained at ocarly every R»ore3Dcai of arm. Thiv lasicd next d., hm (lighter. On t6ifa and l/ch he also felc occasionally prcuive pain in 1. side ol'itomach in walking. Go 181k, and from lya to 27ih, he took (» gr. daily in m.« fatting. 18th.— It J h. after dose, pain in vertex, increasing ' ". in violcoec, d*appearing in the open air. iqch, — Rhcui. \ Hnra^, somewWe

painful all over^ worse in cold, relieved by warmth; gradtolly paMifit off by zm. On 23rd he rclt quite well, but an 34tn, being cxpom to a flight current of atr, be wa» &eucd with violetit pain in vena, which ceased on getting out of draught. 2Cth. — Soon after diMC, return of stomach pain in walking, a6tb. — Immediately after doM^ slight flying pains in f. vertex » 2 h. latrr» transient prct^ivc pain id r. eye, %nd in ^ h, more a peculiar puUaiing noise in r. car, 37cl» and zKth. — P.m., while studying, »ii^hi pains in r. vertex. Former ws relieved by application of hand, but tasted 1 — 3 h., and left heat ^ some time after at affected spot. 29th.— Health perfect. {I^ut^)

%, Traub took for 9 m. during M-iy S gr. of ist trit. On and d. occasional di&locativc pain in r. hip on walking. 6 p.m., icruivc draw* ing between scapula. 10 p.m., laiisitudc in [eg9, npcciaily about ankles* as after a long tramp. Frequent sneezing during d. jrd. — Dttlocative pain in t, wrist for to m., and i^imilnr pain in . ankle. E., tranMcni

shogt^ under 1. scapula; paralysed feeling in sacral rtrgiun. 5th.- lo

e., while sitting quietly, need to breathe deeply, and at each inspiranoo shooting in I. chest arresting it, — 5 tttnes repeated. No further symptoms y but a slight falling of the h^ir so increased during the proving chat he was obliged to discontinue it. [Bid.)

1. C. MufHLENBElN, of " psofic " habit, subject to palpitatioa, and altogether in uncertain health, proved isc trie, in iS^t^ and again ia 1837. On former occasion he was^ already feeling unwell^ and hifl symptoms arc hardly pure. June 14th, 1^37, at 11 p.m., took 5 gr. On rising next m. prcutve pain iti forehead ; great languor in whole body, especially in legs, aiid sleepiness, so thai he woud ii^Jid have lain

At ri p.m., 10 gr. iSth. — M., great prostration; same headache as before, and drawings in extremities, orifice of urethra. 29th. — Repeated dose, with head

Sense of cold in occiput accompanied headache

down again. This state gradually went off* towards 10 a.m. but for slight pressure in forehead and under r. eye. After dinner, pressure in stomach ; and in e. pains in head were replaced by oppression of chest. All d. pulse 10 beats above normal. i6th. — Still some headache. At fO.30 p.m., 10 gr. 17th. — 7 a.m., prcssive headache, extending to occiput i lassitude and weakness of legs. In e., more heat in head ; agitation ; pulse fu]ler,8o; hoarseness, 18th. — Pressure throughout frontal region, and occasional dull shoots through it. Great prostration ; shattered feeling all over j hoarseness. 19th. — Repeated dose. Same symptoms, with heat in face and head. 20th. — Beatings synchronous with pulse in 1. ear ; drawings in extremities j urine c)oudy>yelIow ; burning at edge of prepuce and smarting on micturition. Till e. violent headache and drawings in limbs. 21st. — Headache still all d. ; burning on urinating ; tearing and drawing in legs. E., hoarseness, dryness of nose. Headache increased towards e. of next d., and on 23rd inflammatory redness and swelling of r. eyelid, for which he inhaled aconite. He was better next d., and a fresh dose of 15 gr, in e. of 25th caused no recrudescence of symptoms, which therefore were probably nonmedicinal. On 27th, some oppression of chest and stomach, and drawings in legs, legs very weak ; with tickling at symptoms only, throughout. (Ibid.)

1. Franke, May 27th, 1837, took 5 gr. of N. at 9 a.m. Soon after dose, shivering, renewed at noon. Fulness of abdomen, no appetite, still he ale with pleasure \ after stool fulness went off. 28th. — In m., fasting, same dose. In I h., 2 somewhat fluid stools in rapid succession. Between ii and : 2, great somnolence, lasting till 3 h. after dinner, when he felt obliged to lie on sofa. Sleep then was disturbed by frightful dreams, and was difficult to shake off*. Before it he felt pain in 1. eyeball as if compressed from both sides. 31st. — Repeated dose. During n., frequently wakened by shoots through middle joint of second toe of r. foot, as if from corns (which do not exist). April 1st. — Same dose. Similar shoots frequently during d. in 1. foot, which is equally free from corns. 2nd — 4th. — -Same dose each d., with no other symptoms. 5th. — Sopor as on 28th, and shooting in 2 outer toes of r. foot. 7th. — 9 gr. Fulness of stomach, and repugnance to food, lasting till 5 p.m., when it went off after a moderate fluid stool. 8th. — Unusual sexual excitement. loth. — At noon, 9 gr. P.m., drawing pains in elbow on flexing arm. 21st. — At 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. took 3SS of N. Immediately after dose, tickling at various spots, as if feather of pen were passed over them, 22nd. — At 8 a.m. and 1.30 p.m., 553, Nothing but some slight recurrence of old drawings and itchings. On 23rd and 24th, took 2 doses of 553 and I2 gr. respectively, without effect ; but stools lately have been of straw yellow colour. 25th. — Repeated last dose twice. As on 22nd, 26th. — Same, with flatulent colic and diarrhoea ; sleep agitated, full of dreams with frequent waking. 27ch. — As yesterday; tongue white-coated down to tip. 28th. — Same state \ head confused, face pale ; much prostration ; tearings in divers

muscles. 29th. — No change ; feels sad. 30th. — Better, save that head is still weak and confused. (Ibid,)

1. MuEHLENBEiN, St. 72, toolc, July 17th, 1836,111 m., fasting, 6 gr. of 1st trit. Some h. after, sense of heat in face, without alteration of pulse ; much yawning, lassitude, and inertia j disposition to crossness ; slight headache, or rather confusion of head (strange to him). Symptoms went off by c., and sleep was not disturbed. On 19th, repeated dose with same results. (Ibid.)

2. Kratzenstein took 3 times in 24 h. 0*53 grm^ of N. without experiencing anything save pressure in stomach, followed, an h. later, by a soft stool. (Ibid.)

3. Engler, Feb. 27th, 1822, took 1 gr. without eiiect. March 2nd. — 3 gr- Some h. after, copious emission of deep red urine, which after standing becomes flocculent. 4th. — ^4 gr. Besides increased urination, frequent urging to stool, but without result. Same effects from 5 and 6 gr. respectively on 5th and 6th. 7th. — 7 gr. at 9 a.m. Frequent emission during d. of pale and cloudy urine, with same rectal tenesmus. On 8th symptoms gradually subsided ; and on 9th two 8 gr. doses reproduced them only to less degree, nth. — 10 gr. at 9 a.in. and 5 p.m. Urine redder and more cloudy, without increase in quantity s rectal tenesmus as before. 12th. — Two doses of 1 1 gr. without other effect. 15th. — 15 gr. twice. Copious emission of clear urine, with same but slighter rectal symptoms. (JoRG's provings, MattrialUm &c.)

4. Hacker took from Feb. 28th to March 6th doses increasinc from I to 6 gr. without effect. 7th. — 7 gr. twice. In n. unwontM perspiration, somewhat copious. 9th and loth. — 8 gr. twice. Fiequent desire to micturate, and emission of much foetid flatus. On n. of loth recurrence of perspiration. On nth, 10 gr.; on izth, 3sss and on 13th, 5J, twice, without effect. (Ibid,)

5. Heisterbergk. took increasing doses as in No. 14 till l^farch 6th without effect. 7th. — 7 gr. twice. An h. after 1st dose for a short time slight cutting in small intestines. From 8th to I2th took 2 doses daily, increasing by x gr. On loth, at 6 p.m., disagreeable drawing for some m. in small intestines ; stool more fluid than usuaL nth. — Same stool but no colic. On 13th, took 14 gr. ; on 14th, 20 gr. ; and on 15th 40 gr., twice, without effect save that pulse was smaller and softer. (Ibid.)

6. Knexhice began as last two provers. On nth he took 10 gr. twice ; 3 !<semifluid stools with some general colic during last. I an. — 12 gr. twice. Urine more copious, clear, and watery. 13th.-— 13 gr. Three liquid stools, colic all d., urine as yesterday. (IM,")

7. Kummer's proving, up to March 4th, was as those preceding his. On 5th he took 5 gr. at 6 a.m. At 10, slight colic i tongue covered with white mucus without alteration of taste or appetite i urine rather copious. 6th. — 6 gr. at 8 a.m. At 10, colic, lasting onlr a short time, but recurring frequently up to e. Urine copious, and depositing a red sediment. 7th. — 7 gr. twice. In 2 h. after first doae return of colic, with urging to stool, persisting even after 2 liquid evacuations. 8th, — A diarrhoeic stool. 9th. — 8 gr. Soon sense of fulness in stomach ; p.m., 2 rather fluid stools. loth.-— 9 gr. at

6S

9 a.m. Immediately after, feeling of coldness from mouth to stomach for some m.j and from lo a.m. to 3 p.m. nausea and inclination to vomit. On i2ih, 10 gr., and on 13th, 12 gr. An h. after each dose, nausea. On further increase of dose, urine augmented in quantity, and formed regularly a reddish cloud. Tongue continued coated to the last i but taste and appetite underwent no change. {Ibid.)

1. RiCHTER, after usual ineffective opening, took on March 5th, 5 gr. During and after ordinary stool pressing and urging at anus. 6th. — 6 gr. Same tenesmus, but for 2 h. after stool. N. agitated and full of dreams. 7th. — 7 gr. twice. Soon after m. dose acid taste and increased saliva, lasting till dinner time. Appetite diminished j abdomen was distended, later relieved by much flatus passing; rectal tenesmus as before. In e. symptoms of digestive canal ceased, but there was frequent desire to micturate. 8th. — 8 gr. twice. Same history as yesterday, gih. — Nothing but frequent urging to micturate. After pause till 14th, took 20 gr. twice ; but experienced only the urinary irritation, and this more slightly than from the weaker doses. {Ibid,)

2. SiEBENHAAR took, April 1 2th — 24th, gr. iij — x without effect. 26th. — 1 1 gr. in m. Increased secretion of urine, and somewhat intense drawing pain in lumbar region, aggravated by movement of body, lasting from noon tilt e. ; increased thirst, and pulse some<A-hat

uickened. 28th. — 12 gr. Same effect ; urine more copious and epositing slight mucous sediment. 29th. — 13 gr. Frequent urging to micturate^ dull pain in renal region, thirst greater, and pulse (p.m.) accelerated. In n. violent griping, and next m. 3 diarrhoeic stools, followed by constipation till e. of May 1st. May 4th. — 13 gr. in m. During whole d. thirst greater and micturition more frequent than ordinarily. In n. loud borborygmi, but without colic or stool. 5th. — 14 gr. at 8 a.m. Same symptoms as yesterday, with 2 loose stools p.m. (Ibid.)

1. JoRG took 2, 4, and 6 gr. without effect. April 2i8t. — 7 gr. at 9 a.m. In m. several paroxysms of violent hunger, slight colic of brief duration; perspired more than usual, and towards e. had a somewhat fluid stool. 22nd. — 8 gr. with same effects, which by next d. had quite ceased. May 4th. — 9 gr. Local cooling effect very marked; pulse rose 3 beats, but soon fell again. 10 — 11 a.m., the bulimia recurred, lasting ^ h. at a time, and alternating with slight cutting about umbilicus. Before and after dinner mouth remarkably dry, which obliged him to drink repeatedly. Towards e. 2 rather liquid stools, after (according to his wont) having had 2 natural evacuations in m. Perspiration again unusually free. 5th. — At 9 a.m., 10 gr., with nearly same effect, but also more frequent and copious emission of brownish-yellow urine. 6th. — 12 gr. Increased diuresis. 7th. — 14 gr. After initial coldness of mouth had subsided, great dryness there. Slight umbilical colic, with sense as though stool would follow. Urine and perspiration as before. After stronger doses, pulse rose 3 — 4 beats for as many m.* (Ibid,)

2. a. AssMANN, after having taken from 10 to 20 gr. without effect, began June 19th, 1823, with 5J in Jj of water at 8 a.m.,

• Jorg had experimented with N, twoyearspieviou&ly, with almost identical results. VOL. 111. ^

having previously eaten only a little dry bread. After 3 m. sHghe pressive burning pain in region of stomach, which gradually increased, and at last became a dull boring there. Soon after 8.30, moderate cutting pain in bowels, passing gradually along their length. At same time emission of much flatus and desire for stool, heartburn, and slight heat all over body. Towards 9, natural stool ; therewith began more frequent urging to micturate (as often as every 10 m.) with little passing at a time, yet total quantity being in considerable excess. These symptoms still continued when, at midday, he took another xj. There were then added eructations, nausea, yawiiings, sadness, iveignt in head and bruised pain over whole body. All this lasted till e., and n. was agitated, sleep heavy and broken. During all next d. hunger, with disgust for food, pressure and burning in stomach, with some violent shoots in epigastric region ^ then weight and fulness at pit of stomach and lassitude all over body. Urinary and alvine secretions became normal, but thirst continued. On 29th, at 9 a.m.,, A — took 5ij in ^j of water. Scarcely was the N. in the stomach when there occurred frequent eructations and nausea, without (however) actual vomiting. Later, slight colic, increasing for } h. ; at same time somewhat violent urging to stool, which a normal evacuation about 10 did not remove, and it continued nearly all d. ; with it were frequent and copious emissions of urine. Thirst was violent and constant, appetite absent. N. restless and sleepless. 30th. — Salivary, especially submaxillary, glands swollen, hard, and painful, and secretion of saliva more abundant ; weight and pin over whole head (he was not subject to headache), with lassitude of body generally. There appeared this d. on face and other parts of surface small vesicles, which filled with pus s pulse was full, hard, and quick. It was not till 3rd d. after dose that he felt himself again.

h. A — having made the foregoing experiments by himself, I wished him to perform others under my (Jorg's) eyes. May l5Clu 1824, at 9.15 a.m., he took 5J in Jj of water. Immediately strong eructation. Hardly any coldness was experienced locally. In about 8 m. sensation in stomach like the distant beating of an arteiy. In 20 m. increased heat in trunk and determination of blood to head } renewed eructation, slight vertigo and confusion of head. Whole forehead and cheeks seemed hotter than usual, hands were much colder. In 25 m. began twistings in belly ; at 40 m. pressure In stomach continued and urging to micturate had begun. Internal heat had diminished, but heat and congestion of head continued. Towards 1 1, heartburn, and hunger without appetite but with keen thirst. A few m. after taking medicine, pulse fell from 66 to 62, but returned to former rate after \ h. After a moderate meal slight aching across eyebrows j general lassitude and torpor in lower extremities. Between 10 and 12 a.m. 3 emissions of urine, amounting to ^'j >" ^^K though prover had abstained from drinking. At 3 p.m. he repeated dose. Some time after, face hot and hands cold ; tensive pain across chest ; some shootings on 1. side under ribs and slight pains m head ; violent thirst, also pressure at stomach and colic without stool. Theae symptoms continued till 7 p.m. j and frequent emissions of a yellowish.

transparent urine, forming a cloud, continued even into the n., which was restless, till cowards m. a slight perspiration broke out. Next d. he was quite well. (Ibid.)

II. Poisonings. — I. A woman swallowed a handful of N. in hot water by mistake for Glauber's salts. Soon after, violent pain came on in stomach, followed by nausea, and Rnally vomiting. From moment of taking dose she began to swell up, and this went on increasing sofast that in a few m. she had to unlace herself in haste in order to breathe. Her kerchief had also to be removed, so swollen was her neck \ and the same at length with her dress and garters. A — arrived within 10 m. of her taking dose, and found this state of things. Provoking free vomiting, he found pain and swelling diminish \ so that after 5 or 6 evacuations of stomach they had nearly ceased. In h h. she expelled a foetus of 2 mo.« and therewith bloody not from vagina only, but also from rectum, with liquid stools and some colic. Next d. these had lessened, but on 3rd d. they recommenced with violence, stools seeming to consist of lining membrane of rectum mixed with blood. Under opiates and emollients they subsided in 2 d. more. Besides the swelling and pain in stomach, she now felt also violent pains in all parts of body, but chiefly in lower half of spinal cord. These almost ceased by next d., but recurred slightly at times. At the same time she had tinnitus aurium, trembling of whole body^ and extraordinary shiverings, which no hot drinks or coverings would remove; headache, and such vertigo that she could hardly get safely to a seat. The vertigo and tinnitus lasted 24 h. i the trembling nearly 3 d. The mucous membrane from throat to stomach continued very sensitive for some d. (Alexander, op. at.)

1. Mad. V — , aet. 58, took ^j (by mistake for Seidlitz salts) at 6 a.m. In ^ h. she complained of her stomach, had nausea, vomiting after considerable straining, alvine evacuations, then a convulsion in which her mouth was drawn. Emerging therefrom, she said in a low voice that she felt very ill, and wished the doctor summoned. Another convulsion ensued, and a great debility, in which I found her^ with very feeble pulse and cold extremities. In spite of hot and cordial drinks, the condition of syncope deepened, pulse ceasing at wrists, and laborious respiration being the only sign oi life, save that in an almost inaudible voice she complained of a consuming Are in her stomach and cruel pains in the abdomen, and said she was dying. She actually expired at 9 o'clock. P.Af.y stomach was found highly inflamed, mucous membrane here and there detached, and peritoneal coat of dark red hue, with here and there some brown spots. (Laflize, Joum. dt Mid,^ June, 1787, p. 401.)

2. A servant, set. 36, swallowed at two doses, \ h, apart, a solution of 3iss of N. by mistake. Vomiting and copious purging followed, and violent pains in bowels. The physician called on account of the latter gave demulcents by mouth and anus, followed by opium ; but without effect. Patient complained of a consuming (ire in chest and stomach ; extremities were cold, pulse hardly to be felt ; and she died 60 h. after taking poison. P.M. {% h.), stomach was found reddened internally, and dotted over with black spots of size of lentil. At vc%

KALI NITRICUM.

hat-fond was a specially large spot, in whose centra % »maJ» pcrforat existed. Intestinal canal was reddish within. (Souville^ Amc. ypurm de Mid,^ Chir.^ Pharm^ tfc^Oct^ 1787, p. 19.)

1. Mrs. £--- swallowed, March 17th, 1815, Jm o^ N, in so]utioii» m. fastinz. Soon after vomiting set in, at first ofconrcnts of stomach, then of blood. This had gone on for an h. before pKyncian saw her. Seeing that corrosion had occurred (solution was imperfect] he plied her with diluent and emollient drinks, all of which were »cx>n rejected, but ultimately the blood disappeared from the ejects, Ami a: length the vomiting ceased. Patient became almost fiunt from gnawing and burning pains at scrob. cordis. Her pulse sanic in strength and frequency, and a cold cUmmy sweat broke out, accompanied by «hivenng». Next m. (vomiting having ceased since previous c) paticnr much sunk from violent pains in stomach, which ,have recurred paroxysmally during n. 19th.-— Better, but had rigors and very burning pains^ at intervals all over abdomen. Gradual improvemeiu went un, but abdomen was still painful up to a4th, and throughout these d. and fof 2 or 3 more blood was occasionally seen in stools. Although 1 mo. advanced in pregnancy she had not miscarried. On April ut physician was again summoned on account of involuntary $tarcing» jn cxtremtcics which had been noticed -lor some d. They were very general an4 constant, and precisely resembled those of chores ; L arm and leg were especially affected. They lasted 2 mo. Patient^ naturally of placid disposition, became easily annoyed, and complained of constant pain in spine ; pulse was small, 90. After 2 mo. gradual impmvemenr set in, but patient was not well till after her accouchement in October. Child was healthy, and mother made a good recovery. ( Buttkr, £d. Mid, and Surg, jfitm,^ xiv, 34.)

2. A young girl, having swallowed in error 15 grm. of N.> experienced, tiesides the usual irritant effects, tome of a narcotic character, as transient blindness, persistent deafness and loss of speech, spinal paralysis, and tetanus (?). On 2nd d. her symptoms — coldness of extremities, small and intermitting pulse, drawn features — were auch that death was expected each instant. A critical sweat charged with N. caused improvement to set in. After 8 d. paiient began to hear and speak, but it was a month ere she could walk. (GEU£LEit, Hu/tL Journ.^ Ivii, i, 124.)

3. The late Dr. Alston in his lectures used to relate the case of a gentleman who was twice affected with a paralysis of the arm a^er taking N. for headache. This disappeared when he omitted ibc medicine, but recurred after a fresh dose. (D, Mon'ro, Mat. Mfd , i, 208.)

4. Maria L — ^ act. 28, put (for rheumatism] 3u of 'i^. ' quartern of gin, and took one third at n. and a simitar dose^ After latter was instantly attacked with severe burning pain id m and in a few m. vomited and fainted away. She was conveyed cold and bedewed with perspiration. She was not seen bj pi till 5 p.m., when vital powers were greatly depressed, and , stomach unmitigated. He ordered an ipecacuanha emetic^ caused retching all n. Next m. she was much worse.

rra. I

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delirious, pain continued, extremities cold but bathed in perspiration^ and she was unable to pass any urine. At 6 p.m. she was found suffering under most excruciating agony in stomach ; was kept in bed with difficulty, tossed about and raved like a madwoman. Extremities were deadly cold, countenance pale and anxious, pulse scarcely perceptible. Under emollients and opium by 10 — il reaction had come on \ she was hot and feverish, countenance tinged with an erysipelatous flush, pulse 96 and full. She was bled, and next m. was better, but had passed no water since first m. ; there was, however, no distension of bladder. After an enema bowels acted, and therewith a small quantity of urine passed. Scarlet rash over face and neck still more intense. Food continued to give pain and vomiting up to 6ch d., when Dr. Lctheby saw her. He found her covered with rash ; pulse and temp, natural j bowels and kidneys inactive j still great pain in stomach, extending along oesophagus. Throat was inflamed, and pressure increased pain in stomach. She gradually convalesced, but for some time complained of coldness and occasional pains and cramps in limbs. (LethebYj Pharm, Journ.^ v, 357, 1845-6.)