Picricum Acidum appears in 10 of the 13 classic books on Similia. Each was written to do a different job — here is what each adds on this remedy, with the opening of its entry.
- Allen HC — The keynotes that separate this remedy from its nearest neighbours.
“HC6H2(NO2)3O. Is often restorative of a wasted and worn-out system; a fair picture of "nervous prostration" (Kali p.). Progressive, pernicious, anaemia; neurasthenia. Brain fag : of literary or business people; slightest excitement, mental exertion or overwork brings on headache, and causes burning along the spine…”
- Allen TF — The raw proving record — symptoms as the provers reported them, unedited.
“Picric acid (Carbazotic acid), a trinitrophenol. Formula, C6H3 Preparation , Solutions in alcohol (or triturations). Authorities. 4 to 10 , L. B. Couch's provings, N. Y. Journ. of Hom., 2, 149, 1874.); 4 , Lance, took one dose of 30th cent. dil. on first, fourth, and seventh days; 4 a , same, another proving, one dose…”
- Boericke — The quick clinical read — keynotes, modalities and the conditions it is actually prescribed in.
“Picric Acid-Trinitrophenol Causes degeneration of the spinal cord, with paralysis. Brainfag and sexual excitement. Acts upon the generative organs probably through the lumbar centers of the spinal cord; prostration, weakness and pain of back, pins and needle sensation in extremities. Neurasthenia ( Oxal ac ). Muscular…”
- Boger (GA) — Which general headings this remedy belongs under — the analytical scaffolding.
“EARS FINGERS OR HANDS, using, as in writing, sewing, piano playing, grasping, etc. HEAVINESS, general HEAVINESS, partial LIE DOWN, must MENTAL EXERTION, Agg. NERVES, nervous patients, etc. NEURASTHENIA SEXUAL DISTURBANCES SOUNDS, ILLUSORY SPINE AND CORD TINNITUS, ear noises, etc.”
- Clarke — The widest entry — sources, provings, clinical uses, relationships and antidotes in one place.
“Picric Acid. Carbazotic Acid. Tri-nitro-carbolic Acid. (C 6 H 2 (NO 2 ) 3 OH). Trituration. Solution in rectified spirit. Acne / Anæmia / Boils / Brain, base of, pain in / Brain-fag / Burns / Cancerous cachexia / Condylomata / Debility / Diabetes / Ears, boils in / Emissions / Enuresis / Epistaxis / Erotomania /…”
- Hering — Graded symptoms, each weighted by how often provers and practice confirmed it.
“Picric Acid. HC 6 H 2 (NO 2 ) 3 O. Discovered by Hausman in 1788. Crystallizes in bright yellow needles or scales. Provings by Couch, N. Y. J. of Hom., 1874, vol. 2, p. 149 ; T. F. Allen, Linsley and S. A. Jones, Allen's Encyclopædia, vol. 7, p. 519 . CLINICAL AUTHORITIES. Brain fag , Allen, Organon, vol. 3, p. 94 …”
- Kent — The mental and general picture — who the patient is, before what the remedy cures.
“The weakness of body and mind is the first impression wrought upon the mind of the reader who goes carefully over this proving. It is progressive, passing from weariness to paralysis. The evidences of softening of brain and cord are strong. He, soon becomes sensitive to heat and desires the cool air which ameliorates…”
- Lippe (Red) — Keynotes with the most-trusted ones marked as red-line symptoms.
“Common name: picric acid. It corresponds in general to symptoms of neurasthenia or brain fag. It also has a marked action on the sexual organs (D.). Is often restorative of a wasted and worn-out system (A.). Depression and weariness from slight fatigue (Kali-P., Phos.) (D.). MENTAL INACTIVITY (Agn., Calc., Gels…”
- Nash — The comparisons — the remedy set beside the ones it is most often confused with.
“This is a comparatively new remedy, but has already developed some valuable therapeutic powers. In the first place, it attacks the vital force, as is manifested by an excessive languor or persistent tired feeling all over the body, which is generally accompanied with corresponding weakness of mind, indifference, and…”
