Phytolacca decandra

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

(Poke-Weed, Poke-Moot.)

Botanical Description. — This plant is herbaceous, with a perennial root of large size, frequently exceeding a man's leg in diameter, usually branched, fleshy, fibrous, -white within, easily cut or broken, and covered with a very thin brownish bark or cuticle. Stems annual, about an inch in diameter, and from five to nine feet in height, round, smooth and very much branched ; when young, they are green, but become of a fine deep purple or scarlet when matured. Leaves scattered, petiolate, ovate, oblong, smooth on both sides, ribbed underneath, entire, acute, and five inches long by two or three in breadth. Flowers numerous, small, greenish-white, on long pedunculated racemes, opposite to the leaves, sometimes erect and sometimes drooping. Peduncles nearly smooth, angular, ascending; pedicles divaricate, sometimes branched, green-white, or purple, and two others in middle. Calyx whitish, consisting of five round-ovate, concave, incurved sepals. Stamens ten. Ovary green, round, depressed, ten furrowed. Styles ten. Berries in long clusters, dark-purple when ripe, round, depressed or flattened, marked with the furrows on the sides. Cells ten. Seeds, ten, solitary.

This plant is a native of the United States, growing in nearly all parts, along hedges, in neglected fields and meadows, along roadsides, moist ground, flowering from July to September. It is known by various other names, as pigeon-berry, garget, scoke, coakum, pocan. The two last names originated with the Indian tribes. This species is found not only in the United States, but in the Azores, North Africa and China. The Phytolacca icosandra, a much smaller species, is a native of South America, extending from Rio de Janeiro to Mexico, and is found in some of the West Indian Islands. The Phytolacca octandra is found in the West Indies and Mexico, where the berries are used for washing, like soap. These species possess similar properties.

Officinal Preparations. — Tincture of the fresh root; tincture of the ripe berries; dilutions. Phytolaccin; triturations.

Analogues. — Arsenicum, Arum tri., Belladonna, Iris ver., Kali bich. Lachesis, Mercurius iod., Mercurius hydro., Nitric acid, Stillingia, Sanguinaria, Sulphur.

Mental Sphere.

Mind very gloomy and irritable.

Stupefaction, with vertigo and dimness of vision.

Head.

Dull, steady, aching pain in the head, principally in the forehead.

One-sided pain just above the eyebrows.

Sensation as if the brain were bruised, when stepping from a high step to the ground.

Pressure in the temples and over the eyes, with nausea. ° Cephalalgia — rheumatic, syphilitic, or neuralgic. ° Syphilitic nodes of the skull.

Heaviness in the head and pressure in vertex, with vertigo. Pain in the occiput, aggravated by walking or riding. 0 Weekly attacks of sick headache. 0 Tinea capitis \ also scaly eruptions on the scalp.

Eyes.

Double vision, with giddiness and headache.

Burning, smarting and itching, in the eyes, as if sand were

in them, with profuse lachrymation. .Reddish-blue swelling of the lids; worse on left side, and in

the morning. An eruption (pustules) on the conjunctive. Dull, heavy pain in eyeballs, worse from motion, light, and

reading. {Burt.) Dimness of sight and long-sightedness.

Catarrhal ophthalmia, with flow of tears, and photophobia. (Neidhard.)

Eyes brilliant and dancing, pupil contracted, lower lids drawn down.

Eyelids (oedematous and agglutinated.

° Granular conjunctivitis, with circumorbital pain, soreness in the periosteum and scalp, as of rheumatic origin; it prevents the relapses, so common. {Fenner, Hale.)

0 Fistula lachrymalis (?)

Ears.

Shooting pain in the ears, when swallowing.

Sense of irritation and obstruction in eustachian tubes.

Rushing sounds in ears, with feeling as if the hearing was dull, while it is really over-sensitive.

Exaltation of the sense of hearing during the pain in the forehead.

Nose.

An eruption (pustules) on the mucous membrane of the nose. Feeling in nose and eyes as if a cold would come on. *Coryza; flow of mucus from one nostril while the other ie stopped.

Fluent coryza, with discharge from posterior nares.

° Syphilitic ozcena, with bloody, sanious discharge, and

disease of the bones. ° Noli me tangere, and cancerous affections of the nose.

Face.

• Pains in the bones of the face and head, at night. Paleness of the face.

Heat, with redness of the face and coldness of the feet. Sickly look of the face ; dark yellow color of the face and sclerotica.

Periostitis, and nodes, of the bones of the face. ° Prosopalgia, in syphilitic and rheumatic subjects. 0 Ulcers and eruptions (scaly) on the face.

Mouth, Teeth and Tongue. Small ulcers on the inside of the right cheek.

• Profuse flow of saliva, tenacious, yellowish, ropy, with metallic taste.

0 Irresistible inclination to bite the teeth together (in teething children).

Tongue feels rough, white-coated blisters on both sides, and very red tip.

° Rheumatic odontalgia, also mercurial and syphilitic.

• Great pain in root of tongue, when swallowing. {Hale.) Salivation, with thick, ropy discharge.

Teeth all ache; they feel sore and elongated.

Pharynx and (Esophagus.

• Sore throat, swelling of the soft palate in the morning; on

removing the mucus, throat feels better.

• Feeling, when swallowing, as of a lump in the throat.

• Great dryness in the throat, inducing coughing.

° Right tonsil much enlarged, dark red, burning sensation in

the fauces and whole length of the oesophagus. Sensation as if the trachea were being strongly grasped.

• Dryness, soreness, dullness, and roughness of the throat, all

the time.

° Sensation of scraping and rawness in the throat and tonsils. ° Diphtheria, especially with severe pains in nape of neck, ears, and root of tongue.

0 Scarlet fever, with diphtheritic complications.

0 Parotitis; inflammation of sub-maxillary glands.

0 Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the Perophages.

[One of our most reliable remedies in non-malignant diphtheritic conditions; as the experience of many American and British homceopathists have proven. — Hale.

Stomach.

• Cutting in the pit of the stomach, which is tender to the

touch.

Eructations of sour fluid, with great distress in stomach and bowels.

• Pains in cardiac portion of stomach, aggravated by a full

inspiration and by walking. Violent pressure in the stomach on waking, disappears after rising.

• Nausea, with severe pain in the umbilical region. Vomiting of abundant, dark, bilious substance.

• Vomiting and purging, with griping pains and cramps in the

abdomen.

° Vomiting comes on slowly, preceded by nausea, and is excessive.

° Vomiting of food, and milk, in teething children. (Hale.) Burning in the stomach, with tenderness of the bowels, heat in the rectum, and bloody stools, with tenesmus. Liver, Hypochondria.

• Digging pain in right hypochondrium, in the upper and

lower portions of the liver.

• Cannot lie on the right side, on account of penetrating pain

in right hypochondrium. Violent, dull, piercing pain in left hypochondrium. ° Soreness and pain in right hypochondrium during pregnancy, ° Chronic hepatitis, with enlargement and induration.

Abdomen. Burning pain near the umbilicus. Neuralgic pain in left groin.

Griping pain, followed by passage of offensive flatus. Rumbling noise in the bowels.

° Chronic inflammation of the bowels.

Severe colicky pains in the bowels, with or without desire foi stool.

Great distress in the umbilical and hypogastric regions. 0 Burning distress in the umbilical region, with vomiting and diarrhoea.

Stool and Anus.

• Constipation of long standing.

• Intense vomiting and purging, with prostration and cramps,

as in cholera. Copious discharge of bile from the bowels. Stool soft, undigested, dark, lumpy. Diarrhoea early in the morning for three mornings. Emission of flatus relieves the pain in the bowels. ° Cholera and cholera morbus; also cholera infantum. {Hale.) 0 Ulceration and fissure of the rectum.

• Haemorrhoids, permanent and obstinate.

Bloody discharge, with heat in the rectum, tenesmus and haemorrhoids.

Pain shooting from the anus and lower rectum, along the perineum to the middle of the penis.

Urinary Organs. Urgent desire to pass water. Copious nocturnal urination.

"Weakness, dull pain and soreness in the region of the kidneys, most on the right side, attended with heat and uneasiness down the ureters.

Chalk-like sediment in the urine.

• Pain in the region of the bladder, before and during urination.

• Dark red urine, which stains the chamber a mahogany color " Urine double in amount and clear as water.

Retention of urine.

Urine acid and albuminous.

° Bright's disease. {Burt, H. N. Martin^

0 Albuminuria, after scarlatina and diphtheria. (Hale.)

Generative Organs. Female. — * Metrorrhagia. (Jeanes.)

■ Menstruation too copious and too frequent. 0 Violent pains in the abdomen during menstruation, in a barren woman.

0 Leucorrhoea; uterine, thick, tenacious, and irritating. {Hale.) ° Inflammation, swelling, and suppuration of the mamma. 0 Abscesses or fistulous ulcers of the mammas. 0 Nipples cracked and excoriated.

0 Irritable mammas during menstruation and lactation. Neuralgia of the mammas. {Fairbanks.)

0 Ovaritis, with or without rheumatic complications.

° Tumors; schirrus, and cancer of the mammae.

Male. — Complete loss of sexual desire, for two months.

Continued pain in the spermatic cords, running up.

° Orchitis, acute and chronic, with suppuration and fistulous ulcer.

0 Syphilitic rheumatism, and syphilitic eruptions. 0 Syphilis, primary and secondary. 0 Chancres on the penis.

Larynx and Trachea. 0 Tickling in the left side of the larynx, with hacking cough. Sensation of roughness and dryness in the larynx. Bronchial cough, which is very dry.

° Hard cough, accompanied by scraping and tickling in the throat.

0 Chronic coughs; generally hard and dry, with scraping and tickling.

0 Constant coughing, with vomiting, with sensation as of an ulcerated spot in the trachea; could only expectorate (pus) by pressing on this spot. {Marshall.)

Chest.

• Aching pain in the right side of the breast, passing through

to the back; worse on taking a long breath, aggravated

by lying on right side. Bruised feeling of muscles of chest and ribs. Shocks of pain in the region of heart; as soon as the pain

ceases, a similar pain appears in the right arm. Respiration difficult aud oppressed; mucous rale audible

everywhere in the room.

° Angina pectoris, when the pain goes from the heart to the

right arm. (Tb-) ° Fatty degeneration of the heart. (?) Fatty heart. (?)

Back.

Pain in left lumbar region, followed by severe itching. Pain in left shoulder blade, as if from a blow. Sensation of weight and pressure on both shoulders. Sensation as if a piece of cold iron were pressed on the painful shoulder-blade.

• Hardness of the glands on the right side of the neck.

• Stiff neck; worse on right side, and in bed, after midnight. Dull, heavy pain in lumbar and sacral regions, worse from

motion.

0 Lumbago; the back is very stiff every morning.

• Rheumatism of the left shoulder, without fever.

Upper Extremities. ° Pain in the muscles of both arms. Twitching of the muscles of the right arm. ° Rheumatic drawing in both fore-arms. ° Rheumatic pains in the hands; sudden pricking. Arms ache, and ends of the fingers. ° Glandular enlargements in the axillae.

Lower Extremities.

• Neuralgic pain in the outer side of both thighs and left groin.

• Rheumatic pain in right knee, worse in open air and damp

weather.

° Rheumatic pain in left limb, with sensation of shortening of

tendons when walking. Coldness of the feet, with increase of the capillary circulation

about the head and face. ° Neuralgic pains in the toes. Sticking, stinging pains in the extremities. ° Chronic rheumatism of lower extremities. 0 Chronic inflammation of the knee joints. 0 Sciatica; periostitis; and nodes on the tibia. 0 Ulcers on the leg — syphilitic. 0 Pains running from hip down the limb.

Skin.

0 Intense, chronic aching in the heels, only relieved by ele vating the feet.

• Itching of the skin, with a lichen-like eruption.

• Boils, painful, on the back, behind the ears. 0 Chronic disposition to boils. (Searle.)

0 Squamous eruptions, pityriasis; psoriasis, etc.

0 Tinea capitis; crusta lactea; lupus; ulcers, etc.

0 Scarlatina, with anginous symptoms; nose and upper lip excoriated; acrid discharge from nose; delirium, and nonappearance of eruption. (Mandeville.)

° /Syphilitic eruptions — secondary and tertiary*

• Case of poisoning by " Phytolacca-decandra," reported to

the Homoeopathic State Medical Society of Kansas, May 6th, 1874, by Louis Grasmuck, M.D.

The subject was a woman, aged forty-five ; occupation, keeper of boarding house; temperament, bilious, sanguine, active, hardworking, with a family of grown children, and has a good character.

She had always had good health, until about one year ago, she was attacked with rheumatism ; this was followed by anasarca, and many other symptoms indicative of the " change of life." She was sick several months, but, finally, her fine constitution triumphed, and she recovered. She again resumed charge of her duties, and was, to all appearance, well, with the exception of a slight pain in the right hip joint.

A month after this, I was called to see her, and found her suffering intensely with pains in the joints, and bones of the face and head, and was informed that her sufferings were such that she had not slept any for many nights.

In addition, she was covered from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet, with an eruption, the like of which I never beheld. It began on the scalp, and spread downwards to the very toe nails. It consisted of erythematous blotches, of irregular shape, slightly elevated, of a pale red or pink color, very sore and painful, itching slightly only on desquamation, but too sore to allow of any scratching for relief, and terminating in a dark red or purple spot, taking about thirty days' time for each to pass through its various stages of eruption and desquamation, and about the same length of time to advance from the head to the feet, so that the eruption could be seen at one time in all its stages of development.

There was no accompanying fever, no swelling, except in the face, no sweats, appetite good. She wanted relief from the nightly pains in the bones of the face and head, and wanted to know what the eruption was. On examining, I found the pains proceeded from "nodes" especially on the frontal bone, and resembled very much those of periostitis. My first

impression was, that I was dealing with a case of Syphilis, but a closer in spection, and my intimate acquaintance with the family, together with the " history of the case," caused me to abandon this theory, and the next one of Mercurial Cachexia also.

A vigorous cross-examination revealed the fact, that about thirty days before, she had been induced to take a " blood purifying remedy," consisting of a pint of whisky, with about three ounces of Poke Root in it. Of this poisonous, saturated tincture, she took a " swallow three times a day" until I was called.

I informed her that she had probably furnished the Homoeopathic School of Medicine the most heroic proving of Phytolacca on record, for all of which we were duly thankful, but, nevertheless, would advise its discon tinuance.

1'gave Mercurius Solubilis, 3d x trituration, which relieved the sleep lessness at once, and, finally, also the pains; but the eruption grew worse rather than better, and even invaded the conjunctiva and mucous membrane of the nose and mouth, and now, after a lapse of three months, it is in the fauces and aesophagus, having almost entirely disappeared from the external surface of the body.

A month ago, and when the eruption had partly faded, the photograph which is before you was taken. It gives but a faint conception of the case, and none whatever of the color, but such as they are, were the best I could procure. This is the second case I have met during the year. The first was a man, who took it in much smaller doses, and in this case it produced a severe rheumatism in the left shoulder; no fever, and no eruption. These cases are submitted to the society without comment. Different minds will draw different conclusions; but, differ as we may, they are of interest to all alike, and the facts are submitted for your consideration and digestion."

Generalities.

Loss of all the adipose matter of the body (in animals).

Great prostration; as in collapse of cholera.

Tetanus and trismus, after the vomiting and purging.

° Swelling, inflammation, and induration of glands.

0 Inflammation and swelling of the bones.

° Rheumatic and neuralgic affections (after diphtheria ' or

scarlet fever). {Hale.) Tingling and prickling sensation all over the body. ° Nightly pains in the bones and nodes.

The pains fly from one part, and go like an electric shock to

another part. (Dr. Preston.) The pains are always worse at night.

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

you to the remarkable accidental proving in the first volume of this work. You will there find the reason of its usefulness in some severe cutaneous diseases.

But its curative powers are not limited to chronic diseases. It has proven one of our best remedies in many acute affections of the severest character.

I will give you some facts concerning its physical and chemical qualities, and narrate a few cases of poisoning, which will give you some idea of its powerful character.

It is said that caustic potash exists in this plant as a neutral salt, combined with some vegetable acid. This acid has been called Phytolactic acid, and is nearly related to Malic acid. The ashes of the plant is said to contain over 50 per cent, of Caustic potassa. The ashes have been applied to fungous and cancerous ulcers as an escharotic, and the inspissated juice of the plant (leaves, stem, and berries) acts in a similar manner.

The presence of Caustic potash in this plant is quite suggestive. It throws some light on its poisonous effects. Many of its symptoms and pathological effects resemble those of Causticum and the caustic alkalies. Taken into the stomach, this is probably soon freed from the acid and enters the circulation as Kali causticum. The plant, however, has other dynamic effects ; it affects the nervous system powerfully, also the fibrous and osseous tissues. These chemico-dynamic effects cause deepseated and important lesions, as diphtheria, paralysis, periostitis, etc.

The early sprouts are often used for greens, but become cathartic as they advance to maturity. The officinal parts of this plant are the roots, leaves, and berries.

The root, which is more commonly employed, should be gathered in the latter weeks of autumn, cleansed from dirt and impurities, sliced transversely, and carefully dried. As met with in this shape, it is of a pale-brown color, rather darker externally ; hard, corrugated, and distinctly marked internally with concentric rings of considerable thickness. It is inodorous, with a mild, rather sweet taste, succeeded by considerable acridity. Water at 212° F., or alcohol, extracts its medicinal qualities. The tincture made from the fresh root should be prepared with the strongest alcohol. If the dry root is used, the alcohol should be one-fifth water.

The leaves should be gathered just previous to the ripening of the berries. Dr. Pope, of Washington city, informs me that he got prompt and excellent curative effects, in diphtheria, from a tincture made from the leaves gathered late in the season.

The berries must be gathered when they are fully matured ; they have a disagreeable mawkish taste, with a faint degree of acrimony, and are nearly inodorous. They contain an abundance of a beautiful dark-purple juice, which is the most delicate test of acids hitherto observed. An alkali turns it yellow, while an acid reinstates its purple color; but it is of a very fugitive nature, changing in a few hours and losing its delicacy as a reactive. No mordant has yet been discovered to fix it. It appears to contain sugar, will ferment, and yield a fluid from which alcohol may be obtained. The tincture should be made by adding equal parts by weight of the bruised berries and strong alcohol.

The following case of poisoning from eating the berries is quite suggestive :

I was called in, September 25tli, 1865, to see a boy about eight years of age, who was suffering intensely from causes unknown to the parents. When I saw him he was in great agony ; he complained of his stomach, saying that it was ■pinched together ; nausea and violent vomiting. I examined the ingesta, and found the seeds and skin of the berries of the Phytolacca ; the ingesta was of a darkred color ; he told me after he vomited that he had eaten poke-berries — “ a whole lot of them.” After the vomiting ceased he had severe purging; the stools were thin, dark brown ; severe pain in the stomach on pressure, causing him to cry out. The vomiting and purging stopped in half an hour after I saw him. He afterwards complained of slight nausea, burning, griping pains in the umbilical region ; dimness of vision ; tongue coated white and spasmodic jerkings of the arms and legs. He was put to bed, and slept well all through the night. In the morning he was as well as ever. I forgot to mention that his throat felt sore, the fauces were congested and of a dark color ; dryness of the throat ; the tonsils were a little swollen.

Wood, in the “ United States Dispensatory,” says :

While the most prominent effects of Phytolacca appear to be produced on the stomach and bowels, the skin, the nervous system, and the urinary and genital organs of both sexes share largely in its influence. When given to animals in large doses it produces vomiting, purging, bloody stools, perspiration, drowsiness or stupor, cough, tremors, convulsive motions, increased urination, and distension of the abdomen. As an emetic it is slow in its operation, frequently not beginning to vomit in less than one or two hours after it has been taken, and then continuing to act for a long time upon both the stomach and bowels. The

vomiting produced by it is said not to be attended with much pain or spasm, but narcotic effects have been observed by some physicians, such as drowsiness, vertigo, and dimness of vision. In overdose it produces excessive vomiting and purging, attended with great prostration of strength and sometimes with convulsions.

Some eclectic authorities record its effects as follows :

This remedy (Phytolaccin), when taken by a healthy person, in half grain or grain doses, every two or three hours, for two or three consecutive days, produces a burning sensation in the stomach, with tenderness of the bowels, and a peculiar heat in the rectum, which is soon followed by tenesmus, mucous and bloody discharges. If continued it produces permanent haemorrhoids, and sometimes dysentery. It will be observed from this that the specific influence of the Phytolaccin is manifested on the mucous membrane of the stomach, bowels, and rectum, especially upon the latter, and in small and medicinal doses is a most reliable remedy for chronic affections of this portion of the alimentary canal.

The sphere of action of Phytolacca includes the skin , mucous membranes , fibrous tissues (perhaps the muscular), the periosteum , and the cerebro-spinal nerve-centres.

In diseases of the skin it has been quite successful in removing some severe lesions. It appears to be useful in those which resemble the manifestations of secondary syphilis. It has cured psoriasis , pityriasis, tinea capitis, lupus, and the squamous eruptions in general. In this respect it resembles Arsenicum and Mercurius, particularly the former. It resembles the latter in its power to cause, as well as cure, certain eruptions similar to the syphilitic.

Dr. Searle, of New York, has found it specific for a tendency to boils, especially when they are very painful, and appear on the back and behind the ears. It is equally useful in carbuncle and malignant pustule. It has caused and cured lichen- like eruptions with great itching of the skin.

It appears to produce similar lesions on the mucous surfaces, and it is eminently successful in ulcerations of that membrane in any part of the body, but particularly in the nose, throat, and rectum.

One of its earliest popular uses, and one which has been verified by the experience of many physicians, is its curative power over affections of the fibrous tissues and the periosteum. These affections are generally rheumatic or syphilitic in their nature. It not only

affects the fibrous coverings of muscles, but the fibrous envelops or sheaths of the nerves. In this respect it bears a close resemblance to Mercury, the Iodide of potassium, and Causticum.

In the various forms of chronic rheumatism affecting the abovenamed tissues, and even the synovial, it has effected some notable cures. I have known some remarkable cures of this disease to be made by the domestic use of the berries macerated in whiskey. Of the many cases reported in our journals, I will mention a few of the most notable.

The late Dr. Kendall mentions a case of periosteal rheumatism in a young girl, who had suffered several weeks from nightly pains in the tibia, cured by a few doses of the lx.

Dr. Kimball, of Sackett’s Harbor, N. Y., writes:

In two cases of rheumatism of the lower intercostal, extending to the abdominal and lumbar muscles, from exposure to cold and dampness, the Phytolacca operated like a charm, two doses of the mother tincture being sufficient. In another case, ushered in by a diarrhoea, one dose, suffered to act twenty-four hours, gave no relief, although it caused considerable irritation of the throat and fauces. This case was afterwards cured by Ranunculus bulb. 30th.

In the “ Boston Quarterly,” vol. i, No. 4, is a case in which the Phytolacca decandra was used by Dr. S. M. Cate, with good effect, for occasional spasms of the stomach and diaphragm for some years, and for the last six months a severe pain in the hip-joint, mostly behind the trochanter major. The pains were sharp, cutting, and drawing, and commenced at 4 or 5 o’clock in the morning, driving the patient immediately from his bed. On first rising, the leg was drawn up so that only the toe would reach the floor. Rubbing and heat would afford some slight relief, but energetic walking was the only means of rendering it endurable. After a few hours in the morning, the severe pains passed off, and only a soreness and dull pain disturbed him till the next morning. The pains sometimes appeared in the middle of the tibia and fibula, and down to the great toe. -

Dr. O’Brien, of South Shields (England), in his mention of Phytolacca, says :

In a case of syphilitic rheumatism, with enlargement of the parotid and submaxillary glands, it produced prompt relief, and a rapid subsidence of the glandular tumors also. In a case of rheumatism of the right frontal region, accompanied by nausea and aggravation of the pain in the morning, relief was afforded after one dose of the Phytolacca, 3d dec. dil.

Dr. P. H. Hale reports the following cure of a severe case of chronic rheumatism treated with Phytolacca:

Mrs. S - , aged about forty, had a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism

fifteen years ago, which ran into a chronic form, affecting the left hip-joint, which she lost the use of. Upon examination the synovial membrane was found implicated, with considerable tumefaction from the effusion. The patient was of a scrofulous diathesis. I ascertained she had enlargement of the glands of the neck and axillae, which had existed since she was a child.

There was no swelling of the limb ; the pain was obtuse, heavy, aching, generally worse in damp weather. She complained of coldness of the limb, and the pain was aggravated by warmth. She was very much emaciated, and had nightsweats, having an acid reaction. Urine scanty most of the time, but sometimes very clear. She had not walked without assistance for fifteen years.

Prognosis unfavorable ; but concluded to give the Phytolacca a fair trial. Gave the tincture of the ripe berries, thirty drops, three times a day.

In two weeks I saw her for the second time, and she seemed very much benefited ; less pain, the tumefaction of the hip had nearly disappeared, the muscles of the thigh had relaxed, and she had greatly improved. In a few weeks, under decreasing doses, she recovered the use of her limb.

In this case the Phytolacca not only relieved the pain and tumefaction, but dissipated the glandular enlargements, and arrested the nightsweats. In all my ten years’ practice, I have never witnessed a more satisfactory cure.

' Dr. Neidhard finds it useful in arthritis vaga, or wandering gout, passing from one joint or place to another, with swelling and redness. He uses the 6th dilution.

Dr. Cushing, of Lynn, Massachusetts, sends me two cases:

Case I. — Mrs. B., aged forty-five, has had rheumatism for several years ; the past year the joints of all the fingers have been badly swollen and very painful, hard and shining, Gave Phytolacca 3d, six globules (No. 4), four times a day; pains and swelling better, but complete loss of appetite ; gave four globules, night and morning, appetite returned ; gave four globules four times a day, is much better and improving ; general health much better.

Case II. — Mr. II., aged forty, blacksmith ; chronic rheumatism, severe for several months ; gave Phytolacca 3d, six globules (No. 4), night and morning. In ten days nearly well. Went to the war.

Dr. A. R. Smart, of Hudson, Michigan, writes as follows :

The sphere of Phytolacca in rheumatic affections appears to be in the fibrous tissues covering the bones and nerves. In the rheumatic irritation of the sheaths

of the nerves, as in sciatic rheumatism, it is specially useful ; also, in periosteal rheumatism, and in periostitis. A leading indication for its use in periosteal rheumatism is the presence of a syphilitic taint, which may be supposed to originate the troubles in the osseous structures. The preparation used in the following cases illustrative of its action, was a concentrated tincture of the berries. This seems to vary in its action from the preparation of the root. I have failed in accomplishing cures with tincture of the root, and afterwards have succeeded with tincture of the berry. This difference in effect and sphere I have never noticed in any of the affections to which the Phytolacca seemed homoeopathic other than those above mentioned.

Case I. — A man aged forty, somewhat predisposed to rheumatic difficulties, presented these symptoms : He had nearly constant pain in the outer and back part of the right limb, worse at night, but never going away entirely ; unable to bear any weight on the limb, or to move it without extreme pain, which he describes as dull, aching, and at times lancinating in character. The pain first came on in the hip, and from thence into the lower portion of the limb. Says he had a similar attack fourteen years previous, from which he did not recover in over one year. General health is very good ; has tried cold friction to the limb and Iodine lotions, etc., and has used Colchicum, Cimicifuga, and Arnica, without benefit ; gave Phytolacca (concentrated tincture of the drug), beginning with ten drops, and gradually increasing to half a teaspoonful. After using the Phytolacca four days he reported himself better, and steadily progressed to a cure, although it was six weeks before he could resume his business.

Case II. — A boy ten years of age, after exposure to cold and wet, was taken with periostitis of the right femur. He was treated by a neighboring physician (allopath) for rheumatism. The inflammation was partially subdued, and the case ran on for five months, when he came into my hands. I found the limb greatly swollen, surface red and shining ; inability to stir the limb ; considerable pain, more in the latter part of the day ; chills occasionally, and nearly constant fever ; no appetite ; furred tongue. After a trial of several remedies, which seemed to fail to reach the case, I prescribed Phytolacca (same preparation as before), 20 drops every four hours, and a fomentation of the same to the limb. Under this treatment the swelling in the limb subsided, leaving some necrosis, which gradually came away, under nearly the same treatment, with the addition of some supporting medicines.

Case III. — A man who had syphilis a year before, complained of pain in the arms, and always about midway between articulations, especially about the attachment of the deltoid ; has suffered about a month ; does not think he caught cold ; can assign no reason for the difficulty. Pain is not severe, but of a dull aching character, aggravated at night. Gave him Phytolacca, 20 drops, three times per day. Four days after he reported freedom from pain after the first day’s use, and six weeks after he still continued free from difficulty. In regard to the dose given, I would say that I have repeatedly failed in deriving the advantage from doses of one to two drops that I afterwards found, in the same cases, from the use of 10 to 30 drop doses. Dilutions of the tincture of the berries I have never used.

Nervous Tissue. — The Phytolacca has been known to cause convulsions in men and children. Dr. Burt’s experiments on animals elicited many convulsive symptoms. According to Dr. King, it causes “ a tingling and prickling sensation over the whole surface.” In its pathogenesis we found many neuralgic pains, which are clearly distinguished from the myalgic. Ko post-mortem examinations have been made of men or animals poisoned with this plant, with sufficient accuracy to point out the peculiar pathological conditions it causes. The case of poisoning resulting in tetanus would indicate its probable usefulness in that disease.

Vascular System, — Heat , Fever, etc. — Neither of our provings contain any mention of the effects of Phytolacca upon the vascular system. I find no “ fever symptoms,” and but one “ heart symptom.” “ Occasional shock of pain in the region of the heart ; as soon as the pain in the heart ceases a similar pain appears in the right arm.” This is quite a valuable symptom, as it appears in some rheumatic affections, and may indicate grave cardiac disease. I find no mention of its use in any form of fever except scarlatina ; it is probable, however, that a remedy of such power will be useful in some febrile diseases.

It is esteemed very highly in glandular affections. In our pathogenesis we find the following symptoms :

A very peculiar tension and pressure in the parotids ; hardness of a gland on the right side of the neck, suppuration of a tumor behind the right ear, with a discharge of matter and blood.

Dr. Burt found the Phytolaccin to cause swelling and inflammation of the tonsils. Several homoeopathic physicians, with myself, have found it useful in swelling and induration of glands ; it seems to have a specific affinity for the mammary glands. The root excites the whole glandular system, and has been highly extolled in syphilis, scrofulous and cutaneous diseases. It is said to hasten the suppurative process ; it has been used with alleged success in bronchocele. The Phytolacca is an analogue of Mercury, Iodide of potash, Baryta, Podophyllum, Arsenicum, and other similar drugs. It is strange that a vegetable remedy should be so analogous in its action to the Iodide of potash. One symptom is quite notable — the loss of adipose tissue in birds which

have eaten of the berries. Kali hydriodicum has this power of causing absorption of adipose matter in a great degree; so also both are useful in periosteal, mercurial, and so-called syphilitic rheumatism.

“An inspissated juice of the leaves has been recommended in indolent ulcers, and as a remedy in cancer According to Coe,

Phytolaccin has been much employed in the treatment of carcinomatous affections. It is undoubtedly as efficient an alterative as can be safely employed in that disease ; its beneficial effects are most apparent in cases of open cancer. The patient’s system should be freely brought under its constitutional influence, and the dry Phytolaccin applied to the ulcer. The Phytolaccin applied either in the form of a paste with water, or in strong alcoholic solution, has been found quite effectual in that species of cancer known as lupus, when used in the early stages.

Eclectic physicians advise the use of Phytolacca decandra in old, indolent and fistulous ulcers, both as an external and an internal remedy. I have found it fully equal to our best antipsorics in the treatment of old ulcers, even when of a syphilitic nature ; in this respect it is a congener of Silicia, Lachesis, Arsenicum, Kali hydriodicum, Kali bichromicum, and Sulphur.

The symptoms of the sensorium and head are worthy a close study. In rheumatic and syphilitic (possibly mercurial) affections of the cranial envelope, it will be found one of our best remedies.

The Phytolacca has a large number of symptoms of a prominent and suggestive character, relating to the eye, and affecting its various tissues. It is eminently indicated in rheumatic, catarrhal, scrofulous, mercurial, and even syphilitic ophthalmia. I have used it with success in one case of rheumatic pain in and about the eye, and another of chronic conjunctivitis with granulation.

In the “ Chicago Medical Examiner ” is the following mention of the curative virtue of Phytolacca in granular conjunctivitis. Although from allopathic sources, the testimony is worthy our consideration. In this cure, as in all others, the pathogenesis of the medicine proves its homoeopathicity to the disease.

Dr. C. S. Fenner, of Memphis, Tenn., in the “N. A. Med.- Chirurg. Review,” January, 1857, highly extols the efficacy of the Phytolacca, in preventing relapses of inflammation in granular lids. He says :

Regarding these exacerbations, accompanied with circumorbital pain, soreness in the periosteum and scalp, as of rheumatic origin, about two years ago I was induced to try the Poke, from its well-known efficacy in rheumatic inflammations, and the result has thus far exceeded my most sanguine expectations. With the aid of this remedy I have been enabled to effectually cure cases of granular conjunctivitis, that, without it, would have resisted all my efforts ; indeed, with me it has almost proved a specific for the exacerbations attending this complaint. Patients fully under the influence of Phytolacca often expose themselves, and take a severe cold without affecting the eyes in the least. I use the root in the form of a simple decoction or tincture, and give it in large enough doses to produce fulness of the temples and head. I have not yet seen a severe recurrence of acute inflammation in this disease where the patient was kept fully under the influence of the Phytolacca.

An allopathic physician claims to have effected several cures of fistula lachrymalis with Phytolacca. I cannot find the paper which makes mention of it in such cases, and therefore the manner in which it was used is not known to me. But, as in granular conjuctivitis, it was probably used topically and internally.

I have cured with Phytolacca several cases of granular disease of the lids, which had resisted the best treatment of several oculists of both schools. Give five drops of the 0 or lx (fresh-root tincture) four times a day, and a few drops in the eye of the following mixture: Simple syrup, Sj ; Tincture phytolacca, 5j-

In scrofulous swellings of the glands of the eyelids, it rivals Hepar sulp.

It is efficacious in ulcerated sore mouth, toothache (rheumatic or neuralgic).

A well-known physician writes me :

I have made considerable use of Phytolacca in difficult dentition. Have found it to act in most cases like magic. In one very bad case (my own child), I had for a long time tried everything that promised to be of service, without any permanent relief. The following symptom, in its pathogenesis, suggested its use to me : “ irrestible inclination to bite the teeth together,” etc. Its administration was followed by prompt relief. I have since used it in other cases with equal benefit. I used it in the 12th dilution.

If you will consult the pathogenesis of this drug, you will be surprised at the severity and gravity of the symptoms of the throat and fauces. They give a very good picture of diphtheria, follicular tonsillitis, ulcerated sore throat, and catarrhal pharyngitis.

Since the appearance of the first edition of this work the value of Phytolacca in diphtheria has been verified bv thousands of physicians of the homoeopathic school in England, Austria, Australia, Germany, and other countries, as well as our own.

To Dr. Burt rightfully belongs the honor of first recommending this remedy in the treatment of diphtheria. As stated in the first edition, his recommendation was made to me during his heroic proving of the medicine. Those who undertook to sneer at the claims of Dr. Burt set forth for this medicine, may well feel abashed when they see the great amount of evidence in its favor. Future generations of physicians, and innumerable patients, will remember Dr. Burt with heartfelt gratitude.

The kind of diphtheria to which the Phytolacca is homoeopathic is probably not that known as malignant. There is one symptom which is rarely present in the Phytolacca diphtheria, and always present in the malignant variety, namely, the peculiar fetor of the breath. When this is present I prefer Lachesis, Merc, cyanuret, or Merc, biniod.

It has been alleged that Phytolacca will not cure true diphtheria. Those who have tested its value know the assertion to be untrue. True diphtheria is not always malignant. The malignant variety is usually caused by exposure to noxious gases, sewer emanations, etc., and requires the above-named remedies, together with gargles of Carbolic acid, Borax, Muriatic acid, or Baptisia.

The diphtheria in which Phytolacca is indicated is generally epidemic. It usually has a catarrhal or rheumatic origin — is brought on by exposure to a cold and damp atmosphere, or sleep ing in damp, ill-ventilated rooms.

The symptoms partake of a rheumatico-catarrhal character. It commences with very severe pains all over the body, apparently in the bones. The soreness and pain in the limbs, back, neck, and head is very severe. There is high fever, mixed with chilliness, and accompanied by great weakness. The pain in the throat is chiefly at the root of the tongue and in the tonsils, extending to the ears. The exudation, or pseudo-membrane, is pearly-white or grayish-white; rarely is it brown or yellow, like chamois skin (Kali bich.), or ash-colored (Lach., Lye.), or greenish-black (Merc.).

In this estimate of the value of Phytolacca in diphtheria, I

agree with Dr. Hughes, of England (“Manual of Pharmacodynamics”), who says: “But they (the Phytolacca cases) seem to bear to the really dangerous form of the disease much the same relation as scarlatina anginosa to scarlatina maligna.”

Even in the malignant variety I believe the Phytolacca may be of service if alternated with more powerful remedies. But in whatever kind it is given, I advise you to rely on appreciable doses, not less than twenty or thirty drops of the lx tine, of the fresh root in half a goblet of water, a spoonful every hour or two.

Doubtless many practitioners carelessly, or ignorantly, mistake cases of ulcerative angina or follicular tonsillitis for diphtheria. A casual glance — and that is all that is often given — may disclose no difference in appearance; but a close examination of the fauces, or of the membrane under the microscope, ought to leave no doubt. Many of the cases reported as diphtheritic, doubtless belong to other conditions.

Phytolacca corresponds to the ulcerative process everywhere, the suppurative process, also to inflammation of glandular structures.

It is therefore indicated, pathologically, in quinsy, follicular sore throat, and ulceration of the tonsils and fauces.

I have seen cases of catarrhal inflammation of the head and throat which closely simulated diphtheria. On exposing the fauces I have seen what appeared to be a large patch of diphtheritic membrane upon the posterior wall of the throat, but a close examination would prove it to be a tough, white mucus from the posterior nares, clinging tightly there. Phytolacca is curative in this condition ; so also is Lobelia cerulea and Bromide of ammonia.

The observations of Dr. Sherwin, of Sydney (Australia), go to prove that another species of this plant is also useful in diphtheria. He writes :

Phytolacca octandra grows in great abundance all round this city, but not indigenous. This is a most valuable plant, used either internally or externally. It is specific in diphtheria — given in decoction or infusion — applied very assiduously to the fauces as a gargle, and used hot and frequently repeated as a poultice to the throat ; all stiffness disappears ; the membranaceous formation is thrown off and is not reproduced ; perspiration follows ; fever subsides ; all aching, general pains, and headache disappear, and the patient eagerly seeks for food.

The g astro-intestinal symptoms of Phytolacca bear a close resemblance to those of Arsenic, Veratrum album, Podophyllum, and Ricinus. The following cases of poisoning illustrate its toxic effects :

Dr. Bahrenburg’s Accidental Proving. — I ate a small piece of the root, about the size of a common cherry, and also gave small portions to several of my friends. This was a little before twelve o’clock. Soon after, all who had eaten it began to vomit. The matter rejected was first of the aliment, and then a dark bilious substance, which came away with as little effort as vomiting in Asiatic cholera. Vomiting and purging continued all the afternoon, with considerable griping pains and cramps in the abdomen. The emesis took place every fifteen or twenty minutes. Toward evening we were confined to our beds, and the whole family alarmed, thinking we would die. The extremities were cold, pulse very low, eyes deeply sunk in their orbits, and vomiting and purging still continuing. I was asked if I knew any antidote. I told them there was no danger ; but toward night, as our situation became rather serious, I ordered some black coffee, and after this the vomiting ceased, but the purging continued. We all passed a restless night, with some fever, as reaction had taken place. There was considerable thirst and the passages were without pain. The next morning all the dangerous symptoms had passed off. We felt very weak, especially in the abdomen, with little or no appetite for several days, during which time the diarrhoea continued. One of the persons, who had suffered from sick headache for several years, which occurred once a week, had none for four months, when it returned, but much modified and lighter.

Another experiment had from an overdose :

Vomiting of undigested food, and violent vomiting at intervals of ten or fifteen minutes. Pain in the head increased by vomiting, nausea relieved by vomiting. Dull, bruised pain in occiput. Constant flow of salivary secretion from mouth, throat, salivary glands much increased, and of a thick, tenacious, ropy consistency. At twenty minutes past six o’clock I vomited an acrid substance, which caused a feeling of scraping and excoriation in the throat. Cool perspiration, especially on the forehead and hands. Great muscular debility, lassitude, and desire to lie down. Until seven o’clock p. m., continued acrid vomiting. Drank a glass of warm water to prevent the empty retching, which was becoming very painful. Muscular weakness increasing. Cool perspiration. Headache through the whole head of a dull pressing character. Feeling of warmness and excoriation in the throat. All symptoms were worse on motion and in the open air except the headache, which was better in the open air. At half-past seven o’clock drank another glass of warm water and in ten minutes vomited again. At this time, vertigo, dizziness, and dimness of vision began to be manifested ; objects appeared dim and indistinct.

These cases give a good picture of cholera attacks. In fact, the

Phytolacca is one of our best remedies in cholera morbus, cholera infantum, and those choleraic cases caused by bad atmospheric conditions, and properly designated as g astro- enteric catarrh.

Instead of causing copious dejections upward and downward, the Phytolacca sometimes spends all its primary force on the cerebro-spinal system. In a case of poisoning reported by Dr. Griggs,—

His extremities were stiff ; hands firmly shut ; feet extended and toes flexed ; eyes bleared and dancing ; pupils contracted ; lower lip drawn down ; teeth clenched ; lips everted and firm ; muscular rigidity was general and opisthotonos established. The circulation numbered 85 beats per minute ; pulse soft and unresisting ; temperature nearly natural ; respiration difficult and oppressed ; mucous rale distinct and audible anywhere in the room. The contraction of the masseters precluded the idea of addressing remedies by the mouth, and the amount of mucus in the bronchi® that of administering anaesthetics. After an hour he had increased muscular rigidity generally, with convulsive action of the muscles of the face and neck (the chin drawn closely down to the sternum), which condition would last five or ten minutes, to be succeeded by partial relaxation and return in twenty minutes more with the same violence.

In this case the child recovered without emesis or catharsis. There was retention of urine for a day. Attacks similar to this often occur in children, as a substitute for cholera infantum. In other words, if the morbific influence which causes that disease does not act on the gastro-intestinal canal, it strikes the cerebrospinal system.

Phytolacca has rendered good service in dysentery, haemorrhoids, fissure of the anus, and ulceration of the rectum.

It is homoeopathic to albuminuria, especially after diphtheria and scarlatina, and may prove useful in morbus Brightii and other chronic renal diseases.

The Phytolacca ought to prove curative in many diseases of the uterus, ovaries, testicles, and other portions of the genital organs.

In my estimation the sphere of action of Phytolacca is principally upon (a) the glandular system, (6) the serous and fibrous tissues, and (c) the mucous membrane.

Phytolacca has a specific effect upon the thyroid and mammary glands, also parotids and other glands of the throat, and by analogy ought to act powerfully upon the ovaries and glands of the cervix (also the testes). Accordingly it ought to prove curative in ovaritis,

and other affections of those glands, such as neuralgia, etc. ; in uterine leucorrhoea, or that variety which proceeds from the glandular portion of the cervix. Its powerful influence over ulceration should make it curative in ulcerated os uteri, whether of a non-specific or specific charater. Finally, it should cure rheumatic affections of the uterus. The metrorrhagia and frequent menstruation mentioned above, may have proceeded from ulceration of the os; dysmenorrhoea from rheumatic irritation, and the leucorrhoea may have had a glandular origin. In organic affections of the uterus, as tumors, cancer, scirrhus, ulceration, I would strongly advise the Phytolacca internally and locally applied, and its use persevered in for some time. The action of Phytolacca on the mammary glands is specific. In No. 84, page 201, of the “ British Journal of Homoeopathy,” will be found an article from my pen, which covers this subject as much as the present state of our knowledge will permit. I would urge upon physicians to test its virtues in the various diseases of the mammae. Since the article was published I have used it successfully in many cases of inflammation of the mammae, as well as tumors and nodosities in these glands :

It is the intention of the writer to call attention to only one particular use of this remedy, viz., in certain diseases of the mammary glands.

The various writers on Materia Medica of the dominant and other schools not homoeopathic, while they recognize its value in diseases of the glands, do not mention this particular sphere of its action. In the provings we find the following symptoms :

“ Inflammation, swelling, and suppuration of the mammce.” But I am not aware that this symptom has ever been put to practical test by homoeopathists, with the exception of Dr. Hill, who recommends it in some diseases of the breast. (See Hill and Hunt’s “ Surgery.”) My experience of the drug dates back nearly fifteen years, before I had seen the proving referred to, or, indeed, any published statement of its value as a medicine.

When I was a student of medicine in my father’s office (he was then an allopath), a neighbor had a valuable cow, which, after a clandestine confinement, was brought home from the woods with a most enormously swollen udder. It was as hard as a stone, intensely hot, painful, and sensitive, and not a particle of milk could be drawn. In much anxiety the owner came to his office and asked my father to suggest something to discuss the swelling and engorgement. A dose of Epsom salts was administered, but after twenty-four hours the cow was worse than before. At this juncture an old woman of the neighborhood brought in a piece of a large, white, succulent-looking root, which she called scoke, and ordered the farmer to cut a portion of it up finely and give the animal in some “ bran mash.” Another,

the larger portion, was made into a decoction, and the cow’s udder washed with it frequently. The effect was magical ! In less than twelve hours the milk could be drawn, the gland softened, and in a few days the morbid condition was removed.

This incident was nearly forgotten until a few years after, when I was engaged in practice, and was having trouble with mastitis and abscess of the breast in persons of my patients. I found the remedies laid down in our books notoriously and obstinately inefficient. In spite of Aconite and Belladonna in high and low attenuations, the inflammatory engorgement would run on to suppuration. I then tried larger doses and other remedies, among which the Kali kydriodicum was most valuable ; also topical application of Belladonna, Arnica, Iodine, etc., after the manner of the dominant school, and will give them credit of preventing much suffering and deformity. But I determined on making a trial of the virtues of Phytolacca, and before I commenced its use, made inquiry among the farmers of my acquaintance, and found to my gratification that it was considered a specific in all cases of inflammation and engorgement, “ caking ” of the udder of cows and even mares.

The next case of engorgement of the mamma! which came under my care was an aggravated one. The woman, the mother of several children, had had “ broken breasts,” with every confinement, and the cicatrices in the glands bore testimony to the truth of her assertion. About four days after delivery she had a severe chill, followed by some fever, and in a few hours both mammae were hard, swollen, and painful. The child made ineffectual efforts at nursing, the nipples became very sensitive, and she was in much distress for fear of the inevitable sufferings apparently in store for her. Here was a case wherein to test the efficacy of the Phytolacca. Ten drops of the first decimal dilution were administered every hour, and a lotion was prepared by adding one-half ounce of the tincture to onehalf pint of water. This was applied constantly by means of folds of cotton cloth laid upon the breasts. In the course of the next twenty-four hours I had the satisfaction of finding some signs of resolution. The heat, pain, and swelling became less, and in a few days, with the aid of low diet, and careful extraction of the milk, the woman recovered with only a small abscess at the side of an old cicatrix, instead of extensive suppuration as usual. Since that time I have used it in very many cases, with the same excellent results, and it is only in the severer forms, accompanied with erysipelatous inflammation, that I have had resort to Belladonna internally and externally.

But the Phytolacca is not only useful in simple and inflammatory engorgement, causing rapid suppuration, but it is valuable in those cases where suppuration is already commenced. Here it reduces the inflammation, increases the activity of the absorbents, and will often condense an apparently large abscess in the smallest dimensions.

It is often the case that neglected or ill-treated mammary abscesses degenerate into ill-conditioned, fistulous ulcers. In such cases I have seen the best effects follow the judicious use of this remedy.

Case I. — A young woman, a primipara, very corpulent, with very large mammary glands, was taken with chills and fever a few days after confinement. The family were poor, and lived a long distance in the country ; no physician was

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called, and nothing was properly done, but very improperly the breast was poulticed for nearly two weeks, when several large abscesses opened spontaneously, and discharged enormous quantities of unhealthy pus. Six weeks afterwards she came to me for advice. The breast affected was a loathsome sight, long, pendulous, distorted, the seat of large fistulous ulcers, discharging a watery, fetid, ichorous pus ; the gland was full of hard, painful nodosites, of the size of a walnut and larger. I suspended the breast by the application of long strips of adhesive plaster, placed in various directions across and around the gland, and prescribed ten drops of Phytolacca first, four times a day ; also a preparation of one-half ounce of the tincture to eight ounces of distilled water, to be thrown in the fistulous canals with a small glass syringe ; this treatment, together with better diet and a little wine, so much improved the case in a week, that but one small ulcer remained open ; and in a fortnight the treatment was suspended. The gland will never return to its normal condition, but will probably retain its irregular shape and knotty feel.

Case II. — A woman, aged forty, applied to me to be treated for what had been declared an “open cancer ” of the breast. It originated one year previously, after the birth of her seventh child, and was the result of a neglected abscess. The ulcer was an inch in diameter, gaping, angry, filled with unhealthy granulations ; a probe passed obliquely downwards until it reached a hard sensitive tumor about the size of a hen’s egg ; the discharge was offensive and sanious. The case was treated by suspension and compression, and the use of Phytolacca as above. Cured in two weeks.

Many similar cases might be cited, but these will suffice, as they are good examples of the many cures made with this remedy.

It may be here mentioned that the local application of this remedy is useful in cracked and excoriated nipples. It should be given at the same time internally. If the fissures are syphilitic in their origin, this remedy is still useful. I once treated a case of irritable tumor of the breast as described by Sir Astley Cooper. It had been present several years, and was very sensitive and painful, most especially at the menstrual periods ; the pain extended down the arm of the affected side, and at times causing a sympathetic enlargement of a gland in the axilla. I administered Belladonna, Conium, Phosphorus, and Iodine, but without any good result, and the patient left me. A few months after, I learned, to my intense mortification, that an old woman had cured it with a plaster of the inspissated juice of the berries of the Phytolacca. Since that occurrence I have treated several cases successfully with the Phytolacca internally, giving the lowest dilution, and sometimes the mother tincture. In one case I permitted the patient to use a salve of the juice of the berries mixed with mutton tallow. This she applied constantly over the site of the tumor. Whether it hastened the cure or not I cannot say, at least its application did no harm, although it seemed capable of causing some vesications on the skin.

The same old lady above mentioned had quite a reputation for curing “ cancers,” and with no other application, as I was assured, than the extract of Phytolacca. I have known the finely powdered root, when applied to fungous growths, have the effect of changing such abnormal into normal or healthy ulcers, which soon healed.

I have found it useful in encysted tumors ; in recent indurations ; and even in scirrhus of the breast ; nor should I be surprised if further trials should show it to be useful in cancer of the mammae.

In those cases of irritable mammae where there is no swelling, induration, or tumor, only a painfulness at the menstrual period, I have found it specific in a few cases. The menses became more natural, and the pain in the mammae ceased. The question here arises: Why will it not prove valuable in certain diseases of the testicles or ovaries ? When we consider the physiological relation of the ovaries to the mammae, we should incline to predict it will be found useful in many ovarian diseases.

To the above article I would add, that the root is in general use among dairymen in the country, to regulate any abnormality in the milk of cows. If the milk be scanty, thick, watery, curdy (flocculent), or contains blood or pus, or becomes in any way unnatural, they give the green root, or a decoction in small quantities, and the effect upon the milk is generally favorable. This should suggest its use in abnormal conditions of the milk in women, giving it in the lower dilutions. The higher might be tried in some peculiar cases.

In neuralgic affections of the breast it has been found curative. Irritable mammse is one of the most distressing of all disorders ; but the internal and external use of the Phytolacca will often give prompt relief, as it did in the following case :

Mrs. W., aged twenty-two years, second child, delicate, nervous temperament, was affected the second day after confinement with excessive flow of milk, the secretion being so profuse that it would saturate a large-sized napkin every two or three hours, besides what a healthy child nursed.

Her nipples were so sensitive that when she put the child to the breast it produced intense suffering, seeming, as she said, to start from the nipples and radiate over the whole body, going to the backbone and streaking up and down it, causing unbearable pain.

The profuse discharge was causing great exhaustion, and she was feverish and restless, and unable to nurse.

I once suggested the Phytolacca as a remedy in fatty degeneration of the heart and fatty heart. (Birds which feed on the berries lose all their adipose tissue.) Some physicians allege that they have seen good results from this medicine in the above conditions. I believe it has relieved cardiac disorders due to rheumatic irritation, especially when the pain is felt in the right, instead of the left arm.