Medusa

Medusa (various species).

Class , Acalephæ.

Common names , Jelly-fish, Sea-nettles.

Preparation for use , Tincture of living animal taken in summer.

Authorities.

1 , Wagner, Edin. New Phil. Journ., 1842; 2 , Dr. J. G. Houard, Hahn. Month., 8, 84, effects of two cupfuls of a decoction taken warm by a woman of 38 affected with disease of the stomach and leucorrhœa (from Dr. Friad's report to Acad. of Med., Paris).

• Extreme anxiety, with difficult speech, 2.
• Eyes puffed and œdematous, soon, 2.
• Ears puffed and œdematous, soon, 2.
• Nose puffed and œdematous, soon, 2.
• Lips puffed and œdematous, soon, 2.
• Speech difficult, with extreme anxiety, 2.
• The secretion of urine, which had been suspended during twelve days, returned; she had taken some powerful diuretics, 2.
• The secretion of milk was re-established in this woman's breasts three years after the birth of her last child, although she had had twelve children without having suckled any of them, no milk having been secreted, 2.
• Most of the symptoms disappeared (fifth day), 2. [10.]
• Desquamation (fifth day), 2.
• The slightest touch of a medusa causes a perceptible burning sensation, and this is more or less severe, according to the vigor of the animal; they only sting from parts of the body where the epidermis is preserved; he never experienced the sensation when he came in contact with portions in which the epidermis had been removed; in his case a burning sensation was felt in from a few seconds to a minute after contact; after five minutes a slight redness appeared in his case, and then a simple, lentil-shaped elevation; but more frequently three or four near one another; the appearance sometimes resembles nettle-rash; the pain generally soon ceases, but it lasted half a day with one of the party (Dr. Wills), and after eight days a redness was still perceptible, 1.
• Vesicular eruption of the skin, soon, 2.
• Pricking heat, numbness and burning of the skin of the face, arms, shoulders, and breasts, soon, 2.