Cinnabaris

Volume III — Main text

M ercurius SUlphuratUS, mercuric sulphide, cinnabar, vermilion, HgS.

1. Provings. — i, Hawiemans^ Mat. Med. Pura^soX/x of original, vol. ii of translation. Contains 41 symptoms from self.

2. A girl, set. 15, lymphatico-sanguinc, took every m. 20 centigr, ofcinnab. 3X. The 1 ith d. an eruption came out on 1. upper and forearm^ of isolated vesicles the size of a pea, or of vesicles in groups on a deep red base. (Andrieu, Jour, de la Soc. GalLy viii, 143.)

3. A man, art. 22, took every other d. 20 centgr. of same preparation. The 2 1st d. there appeared redness, pain, and swelling like erysipelas on 1. cheek and half of nose. There was also redness and swelling of the 1. eyelids. The 5th d. of the appearance of the symptoms fluctuation was perceptible at middle of the erysipelatous swelling. But this was absorbed without bursting. (Ibid.^ H4-)

4. A third person (no particulars) took same dose in same way. The 20th d. there occurred smarting, heat, and burning in nasal fossx with swelling of m.m. For 8 d. there flowed from nose a large quantity of yellow mucus mixed with blood. The redness extended to upper lip, and vesicles appeared there, {/hid.)

5. A man, set. 25, took every m. 20 centigr, of same preparation. The I7ih d. there occurred violent itching at anus, calves, and wrists without any eruption. This lasted for 17 d. (Ibid.)

6. Dr. Smith Armor, Jan. 25th, 1851, 6 h. after taking r gr. of 3X trit., had rumbling through abdomen below transverse colon, which

lasted about i^ h. 26th. — Took 2ncl dose in m., and in 3 or 4 h. after, abdomen below transverse colon felt hot, tongue was covered with white fur, and there was beating burning in both temples, which he felt all d. (Dr. Neidhard*s provings, in Mctcalf, op. cit.)

1. a. A. J. Brewster, xt. 26, enjoys good health ; toolc Jan, nth, 1851, at bedtime, 20 pellets of 6th dil. I2th. — In m. sense of general prostration ; great weakness of all limbs ; feeling of depression and weakness of whole system as after a severe illness ; indisposition for mental labour ; head feels weary as from long mental application, — a dull heavy ache in front of head, going backwards, mostly over r. eye and temple, with heat in head. Occasional darting pains through head from without inwardly ; eyes watery and dull, with sharp sticking pain in inner canthus of I. eye, as of a sharp stick being stuck in lower lid. Loss of sleep dunng fore part of n. Restless and tossing about during whole n. with anxious dreams, which he is wholly unable to recaU after waking. Nausea, with occasional throbbing in 1. hypochondria m. Abdomen distended ; stools hard and too large. Dull aching in bones of forearms and legs. Numbness in 1. arm from elbow to end of little finger, passing off on using arm, and returning again while at rest. In m. appetite greatly impaired. Feels better in open air and after dinner. Pulse 60. Skin moist and cool.

L Jan. 22nd, took, at 10.45 a*ni., 5 gr. of 3rd trit. 3.15 p.«., felt sharp steady pain in forehead, mostly in r. orbital region-; soon after felt sharp throbbing in 1. hypochondrium in region of spleen. At 10 p.m. felt dull aching pain in bones of forearms and legs. 25th.— Took at II a.m. a dose of 3X trit. In ^ h. felt sharp aching pain in r. supra-orbital region, shooting backwards and downwards to ear and side of neck. Front of head very hot. Pain is worse in warm room and on moving eyes and scalp. Chilliness in warm room. Uneasy indescribable feeling in abdomen. Numbness of 1. arm from elbow down to end of little finger. 10 p.m., pain in head increased to a heavy stupefying ache, aggravated by thinking, reading, and pressure. Tenderness of epigastric region. 26th. — In m. symptoms all better. 8 p.m., pains in head return, with numbness and heavy aching in annsy knees, and lower legs. 27th. — ii a.m., pains in head return again, with disposition to ^Tl asleep (while trying to listen to a lecture) several times, notwithstanding his making a great effort to keep awake. Constrictive feeling in umbilical region. Urine tinged yellow. Pains all aggravated in e. Better in open air and after eating and sleeping. {Ibid.)

1. Dr. J. P. Dake, dark hair, subject to indigestion, costiveness, and a dull heavy feeling in fore part of head. Jan. 28th, 1851, took 5 gr. of the 3x trit. at 11 p.m., about 4 h. before retiring. Ten m. after he felt a warm glow through his legs, which was soon succeeded by dull pain in 1. arm just above elbow, and by occasional darting pains in lower extremities. There was also dull pain in lower dorsal portion of spine, continuing only for a short time. A space about the size of a quarter of a dollar, just above and between supra-orbital regions (root of nose ?], felt as though pressed upon by a cold metallic body, while within the cranium underneath there seemed to be more warmth than usual. (A dull pain felt before in 1. temple and side of forehead disap.

pcared.) Urgent desire to urinate. Although intending to sit up and study longer, yet feeling wearied in body and confused in mind, he soon retired. Upon iying down there were rumblings in abdomen, and pains passing from epigastric to pubic region. There was also some nausea and uneasiness in stomach. Every little noise about the house troubled him, as though it were something serious. Although accustomed to dream much, yet he had more troublesome dreams than usual. He awoke and started up several times without purpose; once with heavy pain in fore part of head. Upon arising at 7 a.m. he felt a little giddiness and pain in forehead, with sensation of soreness in eyeballs. These passed away soon after breakfast. (Before noon, acidity of stomach, general headache, and heaviness of eyes came on somewhat as usual, only much aggravated.) The provcr had taken the 3rd cent. trit. previously, and felt nearly the same symptoms as those recorded above, but did not ascribe effect to med. In one of his dreams he saw a spider as large as an ox. {Ibid.)

g. Dr. John H. Henrv, act. 22, healthy, light hair, from the6rh dil. (The prover has taken the medicine repeatedly, and alleges himself always to have experienced the same symptoms. We have noted them down bona fide as they were given to us, although some have expressed a doubt about them, because there were so many and so distinct. This prover is, however, unusually sensitive to the action of all medicines, and we could not do more than to express to all our provers the awful responsibility they underwent in diverging even in the slightest degree from the most accurate and truthful statement. N.)

a. Pain in region of causality j sensation of sticking over secretive region, which increases and becomes a numb pain extending to r. temple (time and locality), with feeling of warmth on r. side. Disposition to sleep during d. The pain extends from one temple to the other across the OS frontis from r. to 1. ; is mild in forehead, but violent in the organs of locality and time both n. and d. and on rising in m. Before going to bed there is a drawing pain in head, extending from crown to occiput, inclining to r. Pain deep as if in centre of head.

b. Pain from r. lachrymal duct around eye to temple. Drawing sensation from r. inner canthus across malar bone to ear. Sensation as if there were something in eyes, lasting 3 d. Feeling as if eyelids were enlarged or puffed, as if muscles were too short, when looking up to the wall. Pain from inner canthus of 1. eye across eyebrows (organs of size, colour, order, calculation). Itching of lids of both eyes.

c. Itching of nose with bleeding after blowing ic \ the blood is very dark. The itching is caused by pimples at r. nostril.

d. Taste as of tobacco or coffee in mouth. Pricking sensation in mouth and fauces. Small spot on I. side of tongue, which itches. Small sore on roof of mouth. Itching on 1. side of face.

t. On turning head, pain in r. side of neck below sterno-mastoid. Pain in back part of neck, when head is thrown back, extending to occiput. The muscles at back part of neck seem as if contracted. General pain all over back down to loins, worse after every dose of medicine, aggravated on drawing a long breath.

f. Pain in upper part of 1. and r. lung \ an inward soreness over

heart, extending along 1. arm on taking a long breath. Mucus which is thrown up tastes like old tallow mixed with coffee. Pain under lower point of the sternum, extending to 1. side under short ribs.

g. Pain along 1. arm, particularly in little finger, third finger and thumb; on supinating forearm, pain is worse at elbow, — it feels as if the " crazy bone" were struck ; the least twitch causes elbow-joint and shoulder to crack. Itching in palm of r. hand. Pain in little finger of r. hand. Itching in joints of r. hand. Pain in knee-joint, worse at noon, while walking. Drawing in all muscles of lower extremities on under surface. Sore feeling of ankle, attended with heat and itching over whole leg.

h. Sore feeling extending from small of back around both sides over the ossa ilii, worse on pressure. Pain in lower abdomen, attended with diarrhoea and also flatulence, after taking first dose.

/. Sensation as if there was a raw spot in the centre of the urethra, which woke him up 2 n. in succession.

y. Rush of blood to back part of head, attended with violent itching and heat extending to each ear ; and behind 1. ear there came three hard lumps, one the size of a small shot, the other that of a buckshot, and the last a size larger. On the same n. sharp pain in region of the kidneys, as if one had driven a nail on each side of the vertebrae. Copious discharge of clear urine. Flow of mucus from the r. nostril, lasting for 3 d. Pain on the 7th rib of each side in a spot as large as a quarter of a dollar, more on 1. Great constipation, lasting all the time he took the medicine, and for a long time afterwards. Bleeding piles for 2 d. Violent itching in anus, worse at n. in bed. A whitish furred tongue in m.

k. Violent itching of corona glandis with a profuse secretion of pus; the itching was so violent as to cause him to rub it, which only eased it for a short time, to return with tenfold violence. Two small red spots made their appearance on each side of glans, secreting a large quantity of lardaceous matter. It had the appearance, according to hit opinion, of herpes preputialis. Profuse sweating between thighs. Violent erections in e. After finishing the medicine all desire for an embrace is lost, which was not the case before he took it. All the above symptoms, except the perspiration, were most violent at n. in bed ; the sweating about 12 noon. He had also a constant pain in L arm-joint when turning and straightening the arm, and when writing. {Uid.)

1. a. Dr. Albert Lindsay, dark hair, Kt. 28, took, Jan. Iith, 1851, 20 pellets of 6th on going to bed. He uses no coffee, tea,spicc«, nor any stimulants. Great restlessness at n., continual dreaming and waking. He would be scarcely lost in a drowse, before he would be dreaming vivid dreams of studies and business, &c. Drawing-aching pains in thighs from hip-joints nearly down to condyles, aggravated by moving, and accompanied with great lameness, experienced on getting up and attempting to walk, getting better after walking a short distance. This continued next d. 13th. — Took 20 globules at bedtime. Had many dreams and woke up often. 14th. — Took 20 globules at 7 a.m. Shuotiiig-aching pain on posterior side of r. thigh from hip-joLnt to

middle of os femoris, about 9 a.m., on straining at stool. In c. of same d. took again 30 globules. Continual restlessness, and dreams that a lump was in his throat and r. ear. i6th. — At n. 20 to 30 globules. In addition to restlessness and dreaming, woke up with throbbing pain in organ of conscientiousness, cxccnding to forehead over eye. During d. and n. of 17th he was troubled with aching pains in thighs, and soreness in umbilic.il region. Weak sensation in 1. eye during 18th. Vivid dreams of the lectures, particularly the anatomical, during n. of i8th ; he could not believe that he was not actually there. Almost every m. after waking a kind of dull pain (some m. sharper and more intense) in forehead and top of head, worse when lying on ). side and back, going off when turning to r. side and pressing forehead into pillow. As soon as he turns to 1. side or the back the pains return. On turning to r. side, or getting up and washing, the pains disappear. Violent itching and pricking on inner side of kneejoint ever since he has commenced to take the medicine, worse at n. and in m. before getting up. 2ist. — Violent itching on inside of thighs, knees, and legs, worse at knees, especially at n.

b. 22nd. — At bedtime took 5 gr. of 3rd trit. Had several dreams, and awoke several times through n. On waking up in m. had aching pain in the whole of forehead and top of head, aggravated by lying on I. side and back, relieved by lying on r. side and pressing forehead with pillow. A dull, heavy, and at times sleepy feeling during d. 24th, — Restless sleep with many dreams, feels very tired in m., aching across small of back and in limbs. A kind of throbbing pain in forehead on waking, going off on pressing head on pillow. 25th and 26th. — Same pain in diminished degree. 27th. — Symptoms of cold in hcad,^ fulness of head, discharge of much mucus from nostrils, aching pain in the small of the back and legs. Uncommon tiredness and weakness. Sensation of emptiness in stomach, is very hungry within 2 h. after eating a hearty breakfast. Sore on inside of the under lip towards I. 28th. — Severe aching and drawing pains in back from region of kidneys to sacrum, and in thighs and legs, all last n. and to-day> Drawing up of legs aftords relief. He did not wake up with headache in m., but about 9 a.m. a kind of sore pain commenced at crown of head and extended as far front as the organ of veneration (at times there is a slight sensation of throbbing) i it is very sensitive to touch, he cannot even touch the hair without causing a sore pain. This pain continued all d. Weakness and sleepiness in eyes about noon, could scarcely keep them open. 29th. — No pain this m., but scalp is sensitive to touch. Slight pains in back and )cgs, but much better than yesterday. [The prover here remarks that when he was from 13 to 17 years of age he took large quantities of calomel, and was in consequence for years afflicted with terrible drawing, aching pains in the legs, especially 12 — 20 h. before a storm. He was a regular barometer. The pains he experienced were exactly like those he suffered years ago from calomel. He was, of course, entirely ignorant, like all the others, of the nature of the medicine he had taken to prove,] (Ibid.)

II. Dr. C. L. MERRiMAN,aet. 31, light hair, nervous-sanguine temperament. Took, 28th Jan., 20 pellets of 6th dil. at 10 a.m. In 2 h.

felt fulness and general pressure in whole head as after taking cold, with dull aching pain in the region of benevolence; better in the open air. Great drowsiness and lassitude in warm room j occasional shooting and prickling pain in two middle Angers of 1. hand, better by firm pressure upon thumb. The above symptoms continued about 8 h. 30th. — 20 pellets of 6th. Symptoms similar in kind, but somewhat less in degree, and passing entirely away in about 8 h. {Ibid.)

1. Dr. S. L. MuLFORD, of good constitution, not predisposed to any acute or chronic disease, Jan. 25th, 1851, took 5 gr. of jx trir. on going to bed, but without producing the slightest effect, Feb. 2nd, ^Repeated dose without any effect. 3rd. — Took 10 gr. of I, trit. Shooting pains in forehead with great heaviness. Shooting pains in inner canthus of r. eye with burning and itching. Hoarseness of voice in m., going off in 2 or 3 h. Shooting pains in bowels at intervals during d. Flushes of heat, confined to abdomen, with great flatulence. All the above symptoms more in forenoon and less in afternoon and e. 4th. — Pain in bowels before each evacuation \ all the other symptoms as detailed above in a less degree. (Ihid.)

2. Dr. T. M. Randell, act. 20, dark hair, took, Jan, 13, 1851, 20 globules of 6th dil. Seemed to lower pulse in forenoon and make it irregular. 11.4.0 a.m., pain in 1. side of head, temple, and supraorbital ridge ; sensation as if abdomen was too large, and wishes to have everything loose about bowels. Numb pressing pain in eyes. Numb f^eeling in elbows, as if ulnar nerve was compressed ; also numb* ncss in knee-joints. Hunds cold. Pain in forehead. Sticking in chcsc just beneath sternum. Griping pain in bowels. Pulse, which was at 12 (noon) from 44 to 52, rose at 4 p.m. to 80. Pain in organ of tunc. Sensation as if there was something in ear. In afternoon bis friends femarked that he was very cross and sullen. Sleep restless, with vivid dreams, but he cannot remember them in m. ; urine turbid. Pain in tendo Achillis and os calcis after walking. Pain in I. side of face and teeth. [Ihe above symptoms were produced by a single dose. Several other doses had a similar effect.] (Ibid.)

3. J. C. Raymond, zi. 17, took on Monday c.,Feb. 3rd, 1851,20 globules of 30th dil. In about an h. had sharp darting patns like electric flashes passing from first phalanx of r. ring-finger to middle of forearm, and from lower extremity of 1. radius up to elbow. Restlessness and sleeplessness during n. from a constant flow of ideas changing from one subject to another. On Tuesday an increased flow of saliva ; from 4 to 5 p.m., severe pain extending from cartilage of 7th rib at its junction with sternum to r. hypochondriac region under inferior border of loth rib. On Tuesday n. he took 40 globules ; on Wednesday n, 60 ; on Thursday n. 5 gr. of i, trit., and on Friday n. 10 gr. of same with no perceptible effect until Saturday, when there was increased sexual desire with erections, which continued at n., terminating by emission of semen. On Sunday n. took 20 pellets of 30th, Increased flow of saliva during Monday, so much so that when he attempted to speak he found some difficulty from his mouth being constantly filled with saliva. He had some pain of dull character in forehead over eyes, p.m., which became severer in e. and was aggravated

by motion. Had occasional pains in I. chest between cartilages of 5th and 6th ribs. Tuesday, increased How of saliva still continues. In afternoon pain of dull aching character iii r. frontal region, aggravated in e. \ also return in e. of pains in I, chest in region of heart, of a sharp cutting character, producing difficulty in getting breath while they continued. Wednesday n. — He was awakened several times from sleep by severe pain in r. arm. It continued in ni,, and during d. of Thursday, at times very severe, commencing about centre of humerus and extending to elbow and along radius to its inferior extremity ; the pain was of heavy aching character, deep-seated, and caused lameness and difficulty in moving arm. In forenoon he had also a return of sharp cutting pains in region of heart, followed by wandering pains throughout whole chest. {Ihhi.)

1. a. Dr. Hamilton Ring, act. 29, light hair, took, Jan. 14th, 20 pellets of 3Cth dil. at 4 p.m., and on 15th also 20 pellets of same dil. at 9 a.m. In course of 15th he experienced on bridge of nose a sensation similar to that which is produced by touching it with a metallic substance. Sticking pain about punctum tachrymale of upper I. eyelid. Next d. he noticed a small pimple (like a transparent vesicle) sore to touch, on the inner edge of the eyelid, near the spot where the pain was, which Utter had disappeared, t/th. — 10.30 a.m., took 30 pellets of 6th dil. Soon after, aching and somewhat sharp pain in 1. hypochondrium, in front, over a space as large as may be covered by the hand ; worse on moving about and in open air ; soon extending around lower border of ribs behind, and to region of 1. kidney, where it seems dull and somewhat pressive (all felt and disappeared in 4 h,). Soon after this same pain came in r. hypochondrium, in front and extending around to back, and region of r. kidney, where it is of the same character as in 1. kidney. The dull pressive pain is felt in one and then in the other kidney alternately. The pains intermit in severity, and those in the hypochondria are relieved by bending forward. Occasional flashes of pain in r. temple from front backwards (organ of mirthfulness). Soreness m the roof of the mouth. Heaviness in head, desire to sleep during d., restlessness at n., indisposition to mental exertion. (The above symptoms appeared nearly if not exactly in the order in which they are written.) i8th. — In c. occasional shootings in upper part of 1. temple along temporal ridge; dulness in whole head, especially in forehead just over eyes ; lame sensation in r. shoulder-joint. h. <)ih, — At 10.30 a.m. took one powder of ist trit. (cent.), after which the following symptoms were experienced :~An h. after, uneasy, creeping, and pressive sensation about ossa nasi, lasting about an h. ; it is the sensation experienced by most persons on putting on a pair of heavy spectacles, if not accustomed to wear them. Also for a short time pain and sensation of fulness in meatus of ]. ear. In e. sensation of approaching looseness of bowels. Itching on various parts of body, while walking in open air, 20th. — In forenoon head full ; nervousness and irritability about noon for a short time; also, for a short time, sticking pain in back part of I. Icuec-joint ; in afternoon slight pain in r. knee-joint (similar to pain \n 1.), with creeping sensation above and below it, seemingly about bone, lasting about an

iSS

h. (during d. itching over body), 21 St.— -Frequent itching over the body, and itching and sticking in internal and externa! canihi ; head full, heavy, with strong pulsations of temporal arteries ; great inclination to sleep during d. 32nd. — Itching on body and in canthi, as before', a spot on r. side, between ribs (7th and 8th), as large as a wafer, very sore to the touch, with occasionally sore pain in and around it; head less heavy than the d. before; sore spot on tip of tongue. 23rd. — About 4 a.m, was awaked by dull sticking pain in region of I, kidney, which lasted but a short time ; afterwards tossing about and sleeplessness for an h, ; after rising from bed fulness and pressure in occiput and back of neck, continuing with much severity till about noon, after which the symptom somewhat abated ; heaviness and sleepiness dunng d. ; pains of short duration in r. hypochondrium, in middle of I, breast, in front of I. kidney, in occiput ; itching over body at times. In e., sticking pain in the region of I. side of 5th and 6th dorsal vcrtcbrx ; sore spot in r. side has continued, with the characteristic symptoms before mentioned; during d. there were pains at corresponding spot on I. side of same character, but without a sort spot. 24th. — Occasionally sticking pain on r. side of same dorsal vertebra (5th and 6th) ; pain sometimes m I. side of occiput (organ of amativeness) ; itching of eyelids and of various parts of the body ; sore spot in r. side continues. The pains in knee-joints, mentioned as having been experienced on the 20th inst., have been occasionally felt in a slight degree every d. since. The sore spot on r. side continued 3 or 4 d. The itchings m various parts of body and in the canthi of the eyes were felt for 5 or 6 d. The dulncss of head and unfitness for mental exercise have not, after the lapse of a week, entirely disappeared. The severest pains experienced were those in the hypochondria and kidneys. The pains mentioned as felt on the 23rd and 24th, on the side of the 5th and 6th dorsal vertebra?, have been occasionally felt until the 27th. Has been disposed to costiveness during the whole time of taking the medicine. On 27th after dinner had feeling of weight Ln lower part of rectum and a sensation like aching. (Ibid.)

16, Dr. C. E. TouTHAKER, of lymphatic nervous temperament, light hair, general health good. (In childhood affected with rachitis \ in youth with burning sensation in chest, with colic m umbilicus and stomach. Subsequently he had pains in the face, itching and burning in throat and roof of mouth. At present ringing, humming, or roaring in cars, with frequent itching sensations over whole body ; slight dull pain in back of head and neck, sense of dull pain in one or both ears. Some remains of a former severe chronic bronchitis, causing frequent hawking and spitting, with thick pus-like mucus in m. Disposition to flatulence in bowels ; passes water frequently. Frequent sleepiness whcnsitiing. Languor.) Jan. 18th, 1851,9 a.m., took 30 pellets of 5th dil. ; 6 p.m., sensation of soreness on 1. side of root of tongue on swallowing, accompanied with roughness and stillness, continuing through n. 19th. — At 9 a.m., took 30 pellets more ; 10, slight pain in sinciput. Sense of elevation on walking in open air ; never felt better m his life; like effects of a cordial. At 8 p.m., after tea, peculiar metallic taste in mouth, not much unlike sulphate of zinc, or the taste left after a metal

or salt, continuing more or less i h. 20th. — 5 a.m., peculiar agreeable sensation of exhilaracton^ and of fulness extending from all sides of chest, particularly thorax, towards stomach and heart, accompanied or followed by similar sensation in all the joints, continuing with intermissions till 8. Occasional pain in sinciput. Peculiar drawing in mouth after rising until breakfast. A small sore on r. side of tip of tongue, also one on each lid, continuing several d. 2 p.m., sensation in mouth has continued since 8, modified by continual tendency to hawk and spit, with unusually large flow of saliva and mucus ; also sensation of warmth under sternum and sense as if secretions were flowing from stomach and all mucous surfaces, as well as from salivary glands. A peculiar nervous thrill pervading whole frame, even to fingers and toes, affecting especially joints. Sense of languor and depression, as if following excessive exhilaration or as after intoxication. The above sensation continued with intermissions for 3 d. In the eyes for 2 d. excessive itching of inner canthi for considerable time from 6 p.m. From 9 to 12, itching in outer canthi, severe and frequent, with sense of stiffness in upper lids. In afternoon when sitting in house, sense as if a breeze of cold air were blowing upon eyes, very marked. Eyes very sensitive to cold air on walking out. Frequent pain in lower side of 1. knee, near inner side of tibia. Lameness and frequent stitches on walking, particularly on inner side knee-joint. (Ihid.)

1. Dr. Daniel Wilder, act. 39, Jan. 13th, took 20 globules of 6th on going to bed. Restless uneasy sleep. 14th. — Took same. Increased restlessness, with constant dreaming j seemed to dream before getting asleep. t5th. — Pain in all joints with lameness during d. ; dull pain in forehead, which is cold, and is relieved by warm hand \ aching soreness of eyes, worse in e. Pulse at noon 60, in e. 80. Aching soreness in teeth ; regurgitation of wind from stomach ; sores in mouth on under lip ; severe pain in forehead, which lasts all n. ; great restlessness and nervousness. A good deal of mucus at posterior nares, which comes away in lumps. An eruption on inner and lower part of thigh, with itching. Unusual irritability during whole time since taking mcd. {ibid,)

i8. a. John Turner, it. 27, nervous-sanguine temperament, took 20 globules of 30th dii. before going to bed, 1 4.th Jan. Slept very well ; had dreams, very vivid at the time, but could not remember them. Next d. general nervous uneasy sensation, with depression. I5th.^ 10 p.m., took 20 globules. Felt drowsv sensation as if he could sleep readily ; went to bed at 1 2. Still had the drowsy sensation, and strong, very strong, desire to sleep, but could not sleep for disagreeable nervous feeling, which caused him to toss about in bed for i ^ h. Sleep not so good as n. before; dreams vivid and rather pleasing, but on waking could not bring any one to recollection. (He dreams more or less every n., but thinks his dreams were unusual.) i6th. — General morbid sensation of mind, rather disposed to be fretted at very little trifles, and not at all satisfied with himself, — in fact, thought that he was not at all amiable. At n. look 40 globules. Symptoms respecting rest, dreams, &c., as on 15th. 17th.— This d. mental symptoms even aggravated ; (posed all d. to condemn himself for fretfulness and want of trust.

III. 19

Sexual excitement all d. ; general feeling of disurdcr in whole anima] frame, but no particular symptoms.

b. 17th. — 10 p.m.. took 5 gr. 3rd trit. Felt no desire for sleep; sat up and wrote and read until 1.30 a.m., did not sleep for \ h. after going to bed ; dreamed continually but not so vividly \ woke ^ before 8, dry throat and thirst, feeling as if he had not had any refreshing sleep, although he had been nearly 6 h. under influence of sleeping dreams. No particular sensations thisd. ; moral and mental symptoms not so prominent ; rather better mentally. From first time he took med. felt as if pimples were coming out on body, and had general uneasy sensations and itching. (Prover had had this feeling for some time, but thinks it has been worse since beginning proving.) Since first taking drug, he has with great difficulty read any medical work ( it is quite difficult to get his mind fixed on any subject long ; he also cannot fix his attention on lectures so well as before (the open air relieves this sensation) j cannot think long, deeply, or clearly on any subject J appears to be altogether disturbed. 19th. — 12, m., took 5 g^* 3^ ^^'^* 5i strange congestive sensation about head, principally forehead. 8.3010 10.15, sensitive pressure in forehead. 10.15^ sensation as of water in 1. eye, soon passing off; pain and tired feeling in r., then in I. hip, and tired feeling in all lower joints, better from rising and walking, did not return on sitting ; general feeling as of having taken cold, and of not being fit for zny- mental labour ; depressed, melancholy, and rather cynical state of mmd ; nervous system excited, list. — 8 a.m., took 40 globules of 6th dil. Observed no symptoms until 7 p.m. L. cheek flushed, and in 1. eye watery sensation, — soon passed oft'i congested sensation over whole head, particularly forehead ; great difficulty to collect ideas and study usefully, and even aversion to close study ; after retiring did not sleep for over an h., but tossed about, very nervous and mentally vexed. 22nd. — Symptoms of head and mind much the same as yester-cve. Eruption on posterior cervical region, and soreness from r. ear thither as if glands were affected ; this soreness increased, and on e. of 23rd became very severe. L. eye watered several times to day, passing ofFeach time in a few m. Soreness of glands of neck continued until m. of 27th, but gradually decreased in degree. Occasional fever and fulness of blood in forehead still. {Ibid.)

1. Mrs. H — took 6th dil., and experienced great increase of flow of urine and saliva, lasting 1 h.^ with shooting pain in 1. head from occiput to forehead, and lachrymation. [Ihid.)

2. Miss ¥ — took one dose of 6th, and had dizziness and lightness of head, soreness in stomach, with tightness in temples. {Ibid.)

3. Mrs. F — took 2odr. of 5th at 8 a.m. At 8.30, sense of fulness and weight across temples, with sometimes throbbing over r. temple, worse on motion. These symptoms disappeared before noon. Aching in small of back as if bruised. On another occasion took lo dr. of same at 8 a.m. Aching in both ears, lasting abour 15 m. 1 1, unusual drowsiness and heaviness over eyes. From 1 gr. of 5x trit., unusual drowsiness in m. P.m., 2 stools, last with straining, (/bid.)

4. Poisonings, — 1. A sanguine, active man, zt. 08, wore for several

29 1

months a lower set of artificial teeth, on a vulcanized rubber plate, coloured with cinnabar. After having for months symptoms of cinnabar poisonings without having found the cause of his disease, he had also made for him an upper set of the »same material, and used both five months longer before its relation to his complaint was discovered. The symptoms are reported in the order in which he gave them. '* I suddenly," says he, " found myself unable to attend to my usual duties, on account of fatigue. When making extraordinary mental or physical exertion, the exhaustion which followed was so extreme that 1 had to lie down, At the same time I was troubled with palpitation, worse when lying on the left side or with the head low. Violent pain in the head from front to back, and down the spinal cord to a little below the shoulder-blades. If the exertion was continued, there followed nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe pain in the r. hypochondrium. These symptoms varied in intensity. Soon after using the complete set, there followed violent aggravation of all the symptoms ; burning pain and soreness in the liver ; at times, suppression of bile ; total loss of appetite ; white coating on the tongue ; bitter metallic taste ; high fever at n." Finally, he had to take to his bed for six weeks. For three wreks of this period there was very high fever, followed by copious, sticky, stinking sweat, as thick as mucus, lasting 24. h. Afterwards, the fever abated for a week, when the same symptoms recurred in a more violent form. Finally, when the patient had worn the entire plate for five months, the case was very carefully re-examined, and the following combination of symptoms found : Aversion to mental occupation i feeling as from over-exertion of the mind. Cannot follow one idea without great exertion and exhausting fatigue; cannot collect his thoughts i irritability ; dissatisfied with himself and everyone else. Cannot sleep in the daytime ; restless and sleepless at n., or else sleep with anxious dreams; heaviness and dulness in the head ; can scarcely lift it from the pillow. Occasionally, shooting pains through the head from without inwards,and from front to back. Feeling as of rush of blood to the head, with violent vertigo and great weakness, particularly in the m. Vertigo and feeling of weakness in the head ; frequently staggers when walking. Often feels as if he had taken cold ; symptoms of coryza ; running at the nose ; throbbing of the temples, and rush of blood to the head all d. and all n. Rushing sound in the ears ; deaf* ness. Eyes red and painful ; feeling as of sand in them. Conjunctiva of the lower lid injected, and covered with small granulations. Sore mouth, white tongue ; bitter, metallic, disgusting taste. Sore throat and pharynx; great irritation in the larynx. Frequent cedema of the epiglottis ; frequent attacks of suffocation on swallowing ; hoarseness and loss of voice for several weeks. Cough worse at n. j expectoration at first clear, then o()aque, after several weeks consisting of grey, pustike, occasionally blood-streaked sputa, smelling very onensively in the m. Pain beneath the sternum ; pain in the heart, worse when lying on the 1. side; palpitation during frightful dreams; pulse 90 to lOO. Pain in upper r, lung and in cardiac region, extending into I. arm, which often feels numb. Throbbing in hypochondria, very severe pain, extending from the region of the short ribs to the r. kidney and the 1.

hypochondrium ; swelling and heat in the r. hypochondrium. Burning pain in the r. lobe of the liver, with soreness and sensation of great heaviness there ; these hepatic symptoms arc very severe and continuous. Capricious appetite i loss of appetite ; nausea with vomiting, about once a week ; the matter vomited is bitter and sour. Enlargement, pain, and soreness of the abdomen ; it feels distended, and he wants to loosen the clothes. Stool hard and copious, or sudden diarrhoea, consisting of white or dark passages. Urine frequent and increased in quantity, with sediment at Hrst wnitish ; later, reddish. Limbs and joints painful, especially the knees; hands and feet very cold each m., and hot at n. Hot skin in the e., heat at n. in bed. Fortid sweat between the thighs at n, ; feeling of lameness in all the limbs, with great fatigue, particularly in the m. ; feels too weak to stand, and all bodily and mental exertion is too much of an effort. The pains and fever are worse in the e. and in the cold ; pains in the head and eyes worse after sleep. The pains are generally relieved by continuous rest, warm bathing, galvanism, and heat ; and aggravated by cold. (Oehme, N. Z./. ham, Klinik^ xvii, 125.)

1. A patient of light complexion, who took 1st trit. for phimosis, soon complained of following symptoms, which he never felt before : Intense headache, relieved by external pressure, pain was so severe he could hardly endure it, much worse after sleep; head excessively sore to every touch ; pain darted through from sides of head (most frequently r.) and temples, and thence to occiput. Excessive lachrymation. Noises in ears after eating. Dryness in mouth, with desire for cold water ; bad taste in mouth, with phlegm and pytalism ; loss of appetite, eats very little ; constipation, only one passage in a week. Soreness under r. breast, particularly on drawing breath. Feeling of coldness and sensation of inertia ; drowsiness ; nightly sleeplessness, hears clock strike every h. Redness of skin, like a chronic eruption. He took drug for 2 weeks, with constant improvement in phimosis. After discontinuing it for 10 d. he still had severe headache, which was finally relieved by iodine. (Neidhard, he. cit,)

III. Experimtnti on animals. — 1. a. Two to four grms. of powdered cinnabar applied to the thigh of a dog cause death in 3 — 4 d., size of dose not seeming to have any influence on rapidity with which death ensues. P,M. — Mucous membrane in some parts is pale, in others blackish ; in others the folds are yellow, surrounded with a whitish border. In other cases there are found spots similar to gangrenous ulcers, the bases of which arc covered with clotted blood. In small intestines no change is observed ; in rectum there arc occasionally found black streaks. The lungs, particularly the 1. lobe, are sometimes filled with black blood.

i. In a dog killed by 5ij introduced into stomach, pleura and lungs were found inflamed \ thoracic cavity contained scro-purulcnt exudation. (Smith, in Hube'r, op. cit.)

1. The accompanying woodcuts illustrate the effects of mercury on the bones of a dog, the skeleton of which is now in the Museum of Edinburgh. The history of the case is given by Professor Bennett in his *• Principles and Practice of Medicine,' and is as follows : — The

dog lived in the shop of Mr. Ballantyne 18 years ago in Carrubber's Close. Ac that time the work carried on consisted almost exclusively of painting with vermilion and lacquering Japan articles. The dog, who never left the premises, was frequently seen lapping the vermilion oilpaint, and there can be no doubt that in this way there was introduced into his system a considerable quantity of mercury. After death the dog was dissected. Numerous cancerous-like masses were found in the lungs and internal viscera, and his skeleton was preserved. It will be seen that the shafts of the long bones and not their extremities were attacked. The disease closely resembles what may be observed in many other specimens of so-called syphilitic disease. Yet in this dog we have the positive proof that it was caused by mercury, as all attempts to communicate the syphilis to dogs by inoculation have failed. [The woodcuts, not even excepting the extremities of the long bones, as stated above to be excepted, have very much the appearance of a specimen in the Museum of the Royal Veterinary College of osteoporosis.] (Williams, Princ. and Pract. of F^terinary Surgery^ communicated by Mr. Hurvdall.)