PROTEUS (Bach)

It is difficult to offer you a single word with which to explain the pathogenesis of the B. Proteus, but it will be useful at the outset to suggest to you that the nosode Proteus (Bach) will seldom have any therapeutic action unless there are outstanding symptoms in the case relative to the central or peripheral nervous systems and symptoms which appear with degree of suddenness.

Mentals. Mental symptoms are prominent in the clinical proving and "Brain Storm" might be taken as the keynote to indicate this sudden and violent upset of the nervous system.

Outburst of violent temper, specially if opposed in any way ; will throw any missile which is at hand ; kick or strike ; the child objecting to parental control will lie on the floor and kick and scream.

Emotional hysteria, suggestive of the remedy Ignatia is also found in the proving of this B. Proteus preparation and convulsive and epileptiform seizures and meningismus in children during febrile attacks often responds to the action of the nosode Proteus (Bach). Further indication for the use of this nosode is disturbance of the peripheral nervous system, evidenced by spasm of the peripheral circulation, e. g. "dead fingers

intermittent claudication in the circulation of the lower limbs ; anginal attacks due to spasm of the coronary capillaries. There are two well known diseases associated with capillary spasm where the nosode Proteus (Bach) has been found useful in treatment-Raynaud's Disease, where there is spasm of the capillary circulation of the extremities, and Meniere's Disease where spasm of the brain circulation results in vertigo attacks.

Digestive System. It is important to note that any of the symptoms manifest in the digestive system are secondary to the action of the central nervous system. It is now being realised that prolonged nerve strain is a factor in the production of duodenal ulcer, and in the' Proteus proving, this is also to be found. The type of case is that where there are no prodromal symptoms in the digestive system and the first sign is that of a hæmatemesis or melæna. These ulcers have a tendency to perforate, probably due to the enervation and interference with capillary circulation in that area.

As part of the scientific discussion at this meeting, a study is to be made of the remedy Natrum muriaticum and you will note that this is given in my list as the outstanding member of the list of remedies I associate with the Proteus nosode, and I may have the opportunity of further discussing with you the significance of the disturbed chloride metabolism associated with this intestinal organism.

Neuromuscular System. As one might expect from the foregoing indications, cramp of muscles is a characteristic symptom and Cuprum metallicum is also found among the list of remedies.

Skin. Angio-neurotic œdema, which one associates with the remedy Apis mellifica is found in the proving of the B. Proteus preparation and also a tendency for the production of herpetic eruption at the mucocutaneous margins.

There is marked sensitivity to exposure to ultra-violet light.

Before leaving this "proving" of Proteus (Bach), it may be of interest to you to know that in Great Britain since the war years, there has been a marked increase in the frequency with which one has been able to isolate B. Proteus, and this I associate with long continued "nerve strain"-a factor of considerable importance of the pathogenesis of this type of bowel organism.