Cimicifuga racemosa

Volume II — Main text

CIMICIFUGA .

Cimicifuga racemosa, Torr.; Actea racemosa, L. Black snake root. Nat. Ord., Ranunculacea.

I. Provings.-1 . Dr. H. M. PAINE, æt. 25, nervous temp., in excellent health save for a chronic coryza. a. Proved tinct., made from root obtained in autumn. On Dec. 3rd and 4th, took 10 dr. m. and e.,and on 5th same in m.only. In4h. after last dose sensation ofswelling of r. eyelid, with heat, as if inflamed ; during afternoon pain in lid when closing it ; constant dull aching in ball and across forehead, with nausea. On 1 Ith took 20 dr., without effect then, but next d. pain over 1. eye, extending along base of brain to occiput ; inflammation of both lids ; pulse too slow, intermitting every 3rd or 4th beat. On Feb. 11th, 1852, took 10 dr., and repeated dose next d. at 6 a.m. and noon. In afternoon, dull pain in forehead. On 13th, at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., same dose. Dull burning aching pain in 2nd joint of r. great toe, extending up limb, from 8-9 p.m. 14th.-In m. 10 dr. In e. same pain at same time, but without extension upwards. 15th .-Pain in e. as before, but less severe. 16th .-At 11 a.m., 20 dr. Slight dull pain in head. 17th.-At II a.m. and 3 p.m., 10 dr. In e., disposition to diarrhea. On 18th and 20th one dose, on 19th two, of same ; without effect save slight looseness on latter d. On 21st, 25 dr. in m., 30 in e. ; on 23rd, 30 in e.; on 24th, 30 in m. Two h. after last dose aching pain in head, particularly in occiput, experienced only while indoors, relieved in open air. It increased during afternoon ; was quite severe in e.; about 9 p.m. disappeared entirely after walk in open air. During e., itching on dorsal surface of 1. hand and wrist, and especially of thumb ; small red papules appeared there, becoming after slight irritation a diffused redness, which disappeared in a few h., but could for some d. be reproduced by slightly irritating surface. 25th.-30 dr. at 4 p.m.; in e. slight pain in head. On 27th, 30 dr. at 5 p.m. During forenoon and part

of afternoon of next d. constantdull pain in head, particularly in occiput and extending to vertex. b. In May took 30 dr. once or twice daily from 21st to 27th, and on 28th four doses of 30 dr. each, without effect save on latter d. pain in vertex during afternoon and e., aud after retiring at n. severe aching pain in r. eyeball. Next m. pimple on back of 1. hand, similar to but larger than those of Feb.; a little pus at apex. It disappeared after 3 or 4 d. This d. took 2 doses of 40 dr. each, and experienced only slight pain in head. c. In Nov. proved a fresh tinct. made from root gathered last July, while plant was in flower. On 25th, took 2 doses of 30 dr. each, and same on 26th at 10 a.m. In e. fulness in vertex, stiffness of neck, soreness of throat on swallowing, sense of fulness high up in throat ; on inspection, palate and uvula appeared red and inflamed. 27th.- Immediately after rising aching pain in vertex and in occiput, in paroxysms at times quite severe. Pain in centre of eyeballs, and also sensation as of pain between eyeball and orbital plate of frontal bone ; faintness in epigastrium, with repugnance to food, which nevertheless did not prevent his partaking of a moderate breakfast. Pain in head and eyes continued through d., but not as severe as in m. At 10 a.m. 30 dr. Occasionally through d. sensation as if temples were compressed; itching and redness of dorsal surface of r. hand, in afternoon and especially in e. On 29th and 30th, coryza profuse, with hoarseness, and aching in head and eyeballs. Same on Dec. Ist ; at 4 p.m. took 30dr. Soon after, dull pain deep in forehead. 2nd.-Repeated dose at 10 a.m. At I suffered from acute cutting pain in umbilical region, not, however, preventing attention to business, uninfluenced by eating ; continued during afternoon. During d. acute pain through head generally, at times more severe on 1. side ; dull pain in both eyeballs. Coryza constant during d.; dryness and soreness of lips ; small ulcer on inner surface of lower lips ; sense of rawness in throat, slight dysphagia ; hoarseness, increasing towards n.; constant unpleasant fulness in pharynx. At n., from 3-5 a.m., disturbed, restless, unrefreshing sleep ; disposition to fold arms over head. Coryza as yesterday ; unpleasant taste, accumulation of thick mucus on teeth. Took no more medicine, and by 7th all symptoms had disappeared save coryza, and this much less. At 9 p.m., 30 dr. 8th.-Before breakfast, slight pain in epigastrium extending to 1. hypochondrium, with faintness and sense of emptiness ; loss of appetite. Coryza worse again . Took no more till 13th ; at 10 a.m., 40 dr. Soon after, slight pain in l. side of head ; loss of appetite, in afternoon sensation as of overloaded stomach. After a light supper, acute darting pain in epigastrium. At 10 p.m., 40 dr. Slept well for 3-4 h.; then restless, unpleasant dreams of being in trouble, or in a sad plight. Awoke about 3 a.m.; soon whole surface became cold; slight cold perspiration for 1 h., with lancinating pain along cartilages of 1. false ribs, increased by deep breathing. After rising, hoarseness, and some disposition to diarrhea. At 10a.m., 40 dr. Chilliness during forenoon ; in e., on going upstairs, aching in eyeballs. Immediately after retiring, between 10 and 11 p.m., forth. same piercing pain in 1. side as in

m. , very severe, so much so as almost to prevent breathing for a short time. After discontinuing drug, restlessness in early m. continued for a week ; disposition to perspire at same time for 3 weeks (at first cold, later warm) ; pain in eyeballs (centre) do.; anorexia for 2 weeks ; and for a month alternate constipation and looseness . d. Proved 3x dil. On March 16th, 1853, at 9.30 a.m., took 10 dr. In 10 m. vertigo, fulness, and dull aching in vertex. At 10, repeated sneezing. At 7 p.m. slight dry cough 4 or 5 times, from tickling in larynx ; hoarseness. Without further medicine, symptoms increased to a complete laryngeal catarrh and angina faucium, culminating 19th-20th, and not disappearing till 23rd. [As these symptoms were more likely the result of a chill than of the single dose taken, we have not specified them in detail, but content ourselves with noting the observation.-EDS.] (North Am. Fourn. of Hom. , iii, 207.) 2. Mr. S-, æt. 39, lymphatic temp., large muscular frame, blond, Nov. 13th, 1852,in m. before breakfast took5 dr. of tinct. Immediately, eructations and slight nausea ; dull pain in r. arm, deep in muscles, from shoulder to wrist. During forenoon continual restlessness, desire to move about, not knowing where to go or what to do. Increased secretion of pale urine. A few minutes before retiring took 15 dr. 14th .-Before breakfast, dull pain in forehead ; after it, sense of internal tremors in stomach ; during forenoon, slight faintness in epigastrium ; during afternoon, nervous uneasiness ; not disposed to fix attention on any subject ; dizziness ; dulness in head ; pain over eyes ; pain in r. arm, like that of yesterday, continued throughout d. No appetite for supper, repugnance to food. Stinging sensation in nose in e. Before retiring, 20 dr. During n. very restless ; pain extending from r. eyeball through to r. occiput, slightly affecting ear. 15th.-Great sensitiveness to cold air, which seemed to penetrate the system. (Ibid.) 3. Mrs. A-, æt. 23, choleric temp. , brunette, Oct. 18th, 1852, at 9 p.m., took 10 dr. of tinct., and next d. at same h. 20 dr. Inh. nausea for 15 m. 20th.-At 10 p.m., 10 dr., followed by faintness of stomach. 21st.-At 7 a.m., 10 dr. In 1 h. stinging in eyelids. At 10 p.m. , 20 dr. 22nd.-At 7 a.m., 20 dr. During d., fulness and pressure in lower abdomen ; faintness of stomach 2 or 3 times for short period. 23rd.- In m. abdominal pressure increased, with some pain; disposition to frequent urination. At 10 p.m., 10 dr. Faintness of stomach ; pressure continues, but is not worse. 24th. In forenoon, for a short time, eyeballs painful ; soreness of chest. 25th.-In m. 10 dr., in e. 20 dr. 26th.-At 7 a.m., 20 dr. Heaviness and dulness of head ; heaviness of eyes, as if caused by cold. In afternoon, stinging of 1. great toe ; soreness of chest continues. At 10 p.m., 20 dr. Abdominal fulness continues. 27th.-At 7 a.m., 20 dr. Stinging of eyelids ; dulness and heaviness of head and eyes, as if produced by cold ; cold chills and prickling sensation in mammæ ; lips dry ; offensive breath ; unpleasant taste in mouth. 28th.-At 7 a.m., 20 dr. Eyeballs occasionally painful for short time ; sneezing ; headache ; feels very tired ; lips dry ; occasionally a cold chill ; sensation in breasts as yesterday. 29th.-Head and eyes dull ; prickling again in mammæ. VOL. II . 15

Pain in eyeballs continued at intervals for two weeks after discontinuance of drug. (Ibid.) 4. Dr. L. B. WELLS, æt. 38, bilious temp., dark hair and complexion, Dec. 9th, 1852, took at 7 a.m. 3 dr. of Ist dil. At 10, dull boring pain in forehead over 1. superciliary ridge, lasting 2 h.; later, occasional transient pain in corresponding spot on r. Ioth.-At 9 a.m., a dull heavy headache, most in 1. temple ; increased flow of urine. 11th . At 7 a.m., 3 dr. Soon after, nausea with loathing ; in 1 h. pain in forehead and occiput with heaviness of head. Pain in head continued for 10 d., followed by coryza, with sore-throat and gradual involvement of bronchial m.m.; dry, short, hacking cough n. and d., for 2 weeks. This is uncommon, from not having had a catarrh for several years. (Ibid.) 5. Dr. LUTHER WELLS, æt. 60, sanguine temp., took, Aug. 13th , 3 dr. of tinct.; on 14th, same dose twice ; on 15th, 4 drops 3 times ; and thus, increasing I dr. each d., to 18th. On 19th, took 10 dr. 3 times. Only symptom experienced was pain from eyes to top of head, which seemed as if nerves were over-excited ; lasting 3 h . On another occasion, commenced by taking 3 dr., and gradually increased to 40 dr. a d. , in all 178 dr. Pain as before, more severe, lasting 6 h. In a third proving, began with 6 dr., and in 7 d. gradually increased to 60 dr. a d., in all 210 dr. After having taken medicine 4 d., experienced same pain as before in head. (Ibid.) 6. Dr. MEARS took 3ss of pulverised root with little or no effect. He then took a teaspoonful of a saturated tincture every 10 m. till he had consumed 3j. In 1 h. from commencing to take it had severe pains in head, with much somnolency, and coldness. In I h. more he felt warm, and was so drowsy that he lay down and slept for another h. When he awoke, he had most distressing pain in head with vertigo, flushed face, dilated pupils, and pulse 12beats above normal ; also, soon, great uneasiness in stomach. All these symptoms soon subsided save pain in head, which continued about 9 h. (HEMPEL, Mat. Med., 2nd ed., ii, 506.) 7. a. C. H. BURR took, Aug. 25th, 1858, 10 dr. of fluid extr., pulse being 78, skin warm and moist. First symptom was sharp cutting pain in r. temple, immediately followed by dull heavy pain in back, in region of r. kidney. Pain was then felt in forehead, seeming to proceed from r. temple in burning lines. After 20 m. pulse was 86, full, hard, irregular ; pain in back continuous, increased by motion ; sharp wandering pains felt in 1. ankle and scapula. At close of first h. pulse 72 ; pain in head continued, with sense of fulness and heat. Dose was now repeated every h. till 14 had been taken, and following symptoms were noted during the time :-Pain in region of heart followed by slight palpitation ; constriction of pharynx, with much mucus in throat ; pain and heat in stomach, relieved by eructation ; pain, heat and fulness in head continuous, with sense of drowsiness ; sharp cutting neuralgic pains in arms, r. wrist and fingers, with pain in legs, feet and nucha, where it seemed to produce stiffness. At 6th h. pain in region of heart was continuous, with frequent paroxysms of palpitation ; pulse went down to 69 ; surface of body, together with that of face and hands,

became cool and dry. After taking a full inspiration,feeling as if there was a slight contraction in bronchial tubes which rendered expiration somewhat difficult. Sense of heat in stomach continued, with feeling of warmth and dryness in whole alimentary canal. Next d. no digestive disturbance, and eating seemed rather to relieve ; heat, pain and weariness in region of kidneys was most marked symptom. Urine was acid, of sp. gr. 1020, yielding abundant crystals (nitrate of urea) on addition of nitric acid. Clear on passing, after standing for 24 h. uric acid lay at bottom of vessel in form of yellow sand, while above it floated a cloud of mucus and urate of ammonia. Urine passed between 24th and 48th h. had same characters when passed, but no deposit occurred on standing. b. After 24 h ., 12 hourly doses of 15 dr. each were taken. Action was more marked than in former proving, but no new symptoms were noticed, simply increased severity. Pain in head seemed to extend over and through whole brain, producing distinct sense of soreness in occipital region much increased by motion. There was also great heat and fulness in head, still more copious secretion of mucus in throat, and unpleasant taste in mouth. Skin was dry and hot ; pulse about 80 ; pain in renal region much more marked and severe, and general uneasiness and disturbance in whole system was such that it was difficult to fix attention on any subject of business or study. Action on bowels was such as to produce constipation, but no unpleasant sensations were noticed, save some degree of heat in alimentary canal during first hours. Effect on urine was at first to increase frequency and quantity, and reduce sp. gr. to 1005, from which it soon rose to 1020, where it remained. After 24 h. urine was strongly acid and had dull cloudy appearance. Examination showed thousands of fibrinous tube-casts, about in. in length, with minute lozenge-shaped crystals of uric acid adhering to their sides. On addition of a few drops of hydrochloric acid, quite an abundant deposit was thrown down, presenting variety of colours peculiar to these crystals. (Ibid., p. 507.) 8. a. Dr. BACMEISTER took teaspoonful of tinct. in e., Dec. 8th, 1870. Slept as usual. In early m. dull pain in small of back, both sides of spine ; general internal nervous chilly feeling all over, but less over back ; trembling of fingers when writing. At 10 a.m., feeling of lateral expansion and pressure outwards in both malar bones and forehead ; much tremor ; nervous shuddering through upper and back part of body ; flushes of heat in cheeks ; lancing aching pain in 1. elbow, anteriorly ; all d. nervous, full of work and doing it fast. b. Took same dose Jan. 7th, and repeated it next m. No symptoms Ist d.; on 2nd, during forenoon, sense of empty aching all along œsophagus ; after hearty dinner, headache in l. frontal region, continuing at intervals during rest of d., worse out of doors ; frequent eructations ; drowsiness, finally sound sleep ; after it headache as before, worse during walk out of doors, better arter entering a room . While walking out sense of aching and shortening in 1. tendo Achillis. Desire for tobacco decidedly weakened. No further symptoms. ( Trans. of Am. Inst. ofHom., 1871 , p. 209.)

1. a. Mrs. B-, after taking same dose in e. of Dec. 9th, became unwell next m., with wandering pain in back and around through hips inside, lasting all forenoon ; quite severe at 10, when she was obliged to lie down. Has never had so much pain during menses. Soreness in lower abdomen ; all pains worse from movement, backache better from pressure. The usual headache has not appeared. In afternoon depression and dulness ; chilliness ; lameness in r. leg, worse when bending forward, soreness and stiffness moving to inner ankle ; flow more profuse since 5 p.m.; bruised sore feeling in vagina. b. Jan. 7th, at 8 a.m., repeated dose. At 10, nausea all through abdomen, followed by loose stool, accompanied by sharp pain in abdomen and considerable downward pressure in rectum. During afternoon, chilliness in back ; peculiar uneasiness in teeth, wants to chew or pick at them. Next d. similar symptoms ; towards e. soreness, aching and stiffness in region of tendo Achillis, aggravated by walking. No symptoms after this. ( Ibid. ) 10. Mr. W-, æt. 21, began April 6th, 1871, to take 10 dr. of tinct. every 4 h. In afternoon felt as if he could not keep awake, but must lie down and go to sleep. Peculiar tingling in muscles, followed by aching pain in limbs from above downward. 7th.-Terrible backache ; pain in all limbs ; fulness and pressure in brain ; twitching of fingers and toes ; pain in r. great toe ; very sleepy. 8th.-Chilly in bed before rising , cold sweat on hands and feet ; other symptoms about the same ; feels bad generally ; will take no more medicine. 9th . -Frontal headache ; back and limbs ache less ; feels very tired and worn out ; shooting pain over 1. eye ; urine scanty and high-coloured ; dull aching pain in eyes ; cannot sleep at n. 10th .-Better. ( Ibid., 1872, p. 199.) II . a. FRANKLIN BIGELOW, medical student, took, Sept. 29th, 1852, at 3 p.m. 25 dr. of tinct. (Prepared from dried root gathered in spring.) At 10 next m. dull oppressive headache came on ; pain most severe in forehead, but extending over vertex down to occiput. On walking out into open air, pains in muscles of legs as from great fatigue, especially in anterior part of thighs. Great disposition to yawn and drowse. Sleep disturbed by dreams of accidents, seeing limbs broken, great suffering, &c. On following m. awoke at 3 with severe cutting pains and great uneasiness in hypogastric region, with urgent desire for stool, which was very thin and partly undigested. Great uneasiness in bowels all forenoon, without much desire for stool, but sensation as though it might soon come. Next m. again awoke at 3, with hypogastric pain and thin undigested diarrhea ; latter occurred every 4 or 5 h. during d. Next d. nothing but weakness and languor. b. On Oct. 7th, at 11 a.m., took 100 dr. of an attenuation of 5 to 95. Great nausea and disposition to vomit for 2 h. after taking it. Very sleepy during forepart of e. Slept well till 3 a.m., thenceforward very restless ; at 6, headache came on as after former dose, with great dizziness, constant yawning, occasional shooting pains in sides ofhead, pulse rather quick, appetite poor, feeling of fatigue of limbs and general prostration, forehead dry and hot. Pains in head were partially relieved by throwing head backward. At times very chilly over

entire body, continual stretching and yawning, great uneasiness and oppression in stomach and epigastrium ; on attempting to read he immediately goes to sleep. Rather melancholy and disposed to get angry easily. These symptoms nearly all subsided by 2 p.m. In e. great pain in hypogastrium and fulness of abdomen, with sensation as though diarrhea would come on ; very bitter and disagreeable taste in mouth ; very drowsy. Slept well till 3 a.m., after that hour very restless ; this happened every m. for 2 weeks, and for 3 d. there was with it hypogastric pain and diarrhea as before. Pain in head gradually subsided by 5th d. Upper lip much swollen and inflamed for 8 d.; skin cracked and came off. A small ulcer on each cheek, near centre, very much inflamed for several d., bleeding almost constantly. Eruptions, on hands and wrists principally, resembling mosquito-bites. (ALLEN'S Encyclopædia, x, 468.) 12. Mr. B-, æt. 24. On Sept. 29th, 1852, took 20 dr. of tinct. at 9 a.m. In I h. fluent coryza with violent tickling in nares, exciting sneezing ; going off in abouth. Great drowsiness after dinner. Unnatural heat in feet, followed by weakness of knees and whole lower limbs ; when walking, has to proceed very cautiously for fear of falling. General feeling of intoxication. Dull, heavy, rheumatic pains in upper posterior region of neck. Tearing in centre of vertex, in spot about size of silver dollar. Jerking in muscles of 1. thigh, more particularly at lower third. Cold feeling of 1. thigh and knee, as though cold breeze were blowing on them. Stitching pain as from fine needles in region of heart, with slight twitching in external muscles of that region and slight palpitation. Sleep imperfect ; waking at midnight. General burning and itching of skin after rising in m., continuingh. (Ibid.) 13. Mr. E. P. G-, æt. 18. Took 20 dr. of tinct. at 10 a.m. Soon after, burning in stomach and excessively bitter taste in mouth ; in h. sense of rawness in throat ; in I h. dull pain in forehead and ears. On 3rd d., early in m., pain in bowels, with thin light-brown diarrhea, which came on in like manner for 3 or 4 d. Eruption on skin like mosquito-bites. ( Ibid.) 14. Provings made by Prof. B. L. HILL and Prof. J. S. DOUGLASS, of the Western Hom. College, Cleveland, Ohio, upon some 40 male and 6 female medical students, who were entirely ignorant of what they were taking. In at least ten different instances, the provings were so nearly alike that one would have supposed that they were all copied from one but from the fact that the style of expression was different in all . a. Mind and Sensorium.-Not disposed to fix attention. Vertigo, impaired vision, dizziness, dulness, with fulness and aching in vertex. A sort of delirium, with inclination to run over subject on which he was reading. Mind clear as a first effect. Miserable, dejected feeling ; mind dull and heavy. Feels grieved and troubled, with sighing ; next d., feeling of tremulous joy, with mirthfulness, playfulness and clear intellect. b. Head and Eyes. -Heaviness, dulness, fulness, slight dull pain. Acute pain over 1. eye, in forehead, occiput, vertex,&c., in paroxysms.

Pain relieved by open air. Headache through temples ; head aches as if it would burst. In h., half intoxicated feeling with swimming of head. Sense of fulness and heaviness of head ; soon after, dull pain or forehead, heat of face and slight sweat ; pain in 1. temple. Awoke at 2 a.m. with excruciating though dull pain in forehead, extending to temples, with coldness of forehead and pain in eyeballs ; after I h . aching pain and soreness of vertex, increasing to great severity, after 2 or 3 h. passing to front part of the head, continuing all n. and depriving him of sleep. Feeling of fulness with headache ; fulness on 1. side; full feeling in upper part of brain with dull feeling. Head feels too large. Dull pressive pain in l. side of head. Severe pain just over r. eye. Dull sensation throughout head as though he had been on a " spree " and was getting over effects. Dull headache on getting up inm. Heat in front part of head. Brain felt too large for cranium ; brain feels compressed. After I h., feeling of pressure in head, and heat in the head and face. Pressure in front part of head and eyes . Pain in front and top of head. Redness of face and eyes ; eyes feel as if swollen ; black specks before eyes. Myopia increased. During headache eyes were so congested as to attract attention of everyone, although there was no disagreeable feeling in them. Dull pain in region of moral organs ; a pressing outward and upward, as if there were not room enough for upper portion of cerebrum ; pain was very oppressive and almost intolerable ; it began about 5 p.m., after taking 2nd dose, and continued unabated till m., when it was relieved in 30 m. by a single dose of bryonia. Heaviness ; pain in eyeballs ; stinging and inflammation in lids. c. Nose. At first dry, stuffed condition of nostrils, which was soon followed by open, moist condition, with great sensitiveness to cold air, as if base of brain were laid bare, and every inhalation brought cold air in contact with it. This is exactly similar to that produced by a sudden change of weather in winter, from cold and dry to damp thawing. Sneezing ; fluent coryza, copious, watery. Very profuse greenish and slightly sanguineous coryza. d. Face, Jaws, and Teeth.- Severe pain in 1.jaw. Heat on 1. side of face, with lassitude all over. Very severe pains in face, more in under jaw, lower teeth, and articulation of lower jaw. Pains in head and face constant and very severe. Pain in r. superior maxillary bone and teeth . e. Mouth, Throat, and Pharynx.- Hoarseness, roughness and scraping in throat. Roughness and dryness of throat, with thirst. Hoarseness. Dry pharynx ; fulness of pharynx and inclination to swallow. Sore-throat when swallowing. Fulness of throat and vertex, and stiffness of neck. Sensation of rawness of throat ; hoarseness, more towards n. Palate and uvula red and inflamed. Dryness of lips and mouth. Sensation as if throat were partly filled, as low as top of sternum. Spitting of thick saliva, which seemed to stick to mouth and throat, and to be detached with difficulty. Mouth dry in m. Swelling of back part oftongue. Dryness and soreness of throat on swallowing and on pressure, worse on 1. side. Increased flow of saliva, immediately. Roots of tongue and fauces swollen ; throat dry.

Offensive breath. Dry, sore lips ; ulcer on inner surface of lower lip . Unpleasant taste ; thick mucus on teeth. f. Taste, Appetite, Stomach, &c.-Eructations, nausea, and loss of appetite ; nausea and vomiting. Feeling as if too much food had been taken. Tremor in the stomach ; faintness and emptiness of stomach . Slight nausea, with weak, trembling, exhausted feeling. Awful nausea, with tremors all over, perspiration, headache, similar to morning sickness during pregnancy, &c. Thirst, but no desire to drink. Distension of stomach and upper part of abdomen. Violent eructations, but no relief ; violent retching. In 10 m. slight nausea, which increased with sickening pain in duodenum ; h. afterwards, flatulence, eructations and more nausea ; a 2nd dose increased symptoms, with general feeling of illness ; supper abated bad feelings, but nausea returned soon after. Slight nausea, and burning of the stomach. All foregoing stomach symptoms were produced on women; the drug producing no disturbance in the stomachs of men. g. Abdomen and Stools.-Flatus. Rumbling in lower abdomen ; fulness, pressure. Acute cutting pains at umbilicus. Flatulence ; dull heavy pains in abdomen. Constipation ; fæces hard and dry. Dull pain in the region of the liver. Periodic colic, with inclination to bend forward ; relief after stool. Griping pains in bowels , from umbilicus down. After second dose, large papescent stool, with general indisposition ; after fourth, scanty diarrhea, with tenesmus. Evacuations natural during provings, but alternate constipation and tendency to diarrhea for a month after. Disposition to diarrhea. Wandering pains in bowels, slight pain in left iliac region ; afterwards severe pains in bowels, mostly below umbilicus, with weight and pain in lumbar and sacral regions. Soreness of abdominal muscles, on taking full inspiration. Dull griping twisting at umbilical region, more towards 1. Urging to stool, inclined to diarrhea. Pain in 1. hypochondriac region, worse on motion, and on taking deep inspiration . One or two copious papescent stools in m . h. Urine.-Disposition to frequent urination ; increased secretion . Retention of urine for 18 h., followed by frequent micturition. Profuse flow of clear, watery urine. Violent stitches in urethra in m. i. Larynx, Bronchia, and Chest.-Hoarseness ; constant inclination to cough, from tickling in the larynx, increased by speaking ; short dry cough. Hoarseness, with roughness and scraping in throat. Slight pain in the chest. Decidedly quickened respiration on walking ; difficult respiration after exertion, with general feeling of illness. Hoarseness and roughness of throat. Stitches in region of heart or in heart. Pain in l. side of chest. Acute pain in r. lung from apex to base, to r. of sternum, aggravated by inspiration. Lancinating pain along cartilages offalse ribs, increased by inspiration. Soreness of chest. Cold chills and prickings in the female mammæ. j. Genital Organs.-Pain and retraction in r. spermatic cord. Drawing pain along same. Pain and tenderness in the testicles. Menorrhagia. Suppression of menses. k. Neck, Back, &c.- Stiffness of the neck. In m., on bending neck forward, he experienced severe drawing tensive pain at points of

spinous processes of 3 upper dorsal vertebræ, which continued for several h. Trembling and weakness in back ; weak trembling pain in small of back. Lame tired feeling in back, extending from region of kidneys to sacrum, relieved by rest, and increased by motion. Dull heavy aching in small of back, extending towards sacrum. Dull pain behind r. scapula. Stitches in back, a little below r. scapula, and spine. Dull pain in the region of lower dorsal and upper lumbar vertebræ. Pain below 1. scapula. (Symptoms of back, &c., felt for several days.) Cramping of muscles of neck, on moving head, first in l., afterwards in r. side. Occasional slight pain in either scapula and r. shoulder. Weight and pain in lumbar and sacral regions, sometimes extending all around the body, somewhat below crest of ilium. Rheumatic pains in muscles of neck and back ; feeling of stiffness and contraction. Feeling of weight in small of back. Drawing pain in a single muscle, between the r. scapula and spine, for some h. 1. Extremities. -Dull pain in r. arm, in muscles, from shoulder to wrist. Itching and redness of back of hand. Single pimples on back of hand with a little pus at apex. Small red papillæ first appeared, becoming a diffused redness. Trembling in limbs ; scarcely able to walk. Hands and forearms weak and trembling ; cannot grasp anything firmly ; later, hands and feet cold as death, with general chilliness. Dull, aching burning pain in second joint of r. great toe. Constriction of 1. sartorius muscle. Rheumatic pain in knee joint. Excruciating pain 1. external malleolus and 1. forearm. Lameness and inability to flex and finger of l. hand. Lameness of 1. wrist. (These rheumatic pains continued for several d.) Rheumatic pains in muscles of arms and legs of a drawing character. Pain in r. arm, elbow, and wrist, and in the knee, extending down to ankle. Feeling in foot as if it had been compressed. Pain in extremities and back as of boils, with fulness of head on 1. side. Restless, drawing sensation in extremities. Rheumatic pain in l. leg. After going to bed, jerking commenced on side on which he was lying, obliging him to change position ; it began by a perceptible twitching in 1. foot. Severe pains in arms , with numbing sensation as if a nerve had been compressed ; these pains were first felt in shoulder, and passed down arm and then forearm, producing a very peculiar lame, numb, and sometimes cramping sensation. Similar pains in legs, but more severe and constant in upper part of thigh, about hip-joint and inguinal region. Slight rheumatic pains all next d. m. Sleep. Very restless ; restless latter part of n.; troublesome dreams. Frequent wakings during n.; and copious papescent stool inm. n. Febrile Symptoms .-Chilliness in forenoon. Coldness and chills, especially of arms and feet. Soon after waking in m., whole surface became cold. Slight cold perspiration, with lancing pain along cartilages of false ribs, increased by inspiration. Disposition to perspire at n. for 3 weeks. Pulse too slow-every 3rd or 4th beat intermitting. In h., increased heat of face; slight inclination to sweat ; pulse rather full, 90, it being nearly 80 before taking drug. In h. after taking second dose, pulse weaker, and very irregular, 80.

After third dose, pulse very weak, with general feeling of lassitude and weakness, and heat and smarting of face. At the end of an h. pulse 70-80, irregular. Pulse quick and weak. Chilliness, with cold hands and feet. In m., pulse feeble, with weakness and trembling. Pulse feeble and accelerated. Drowsiness, with creeping chills upon back, during e. , followed by frequent wakings during m., and desire to throw off the bedclothes, although the thermometer was below zero . 0. General Symptoms.- Feeling tired. Nervous weakness in afternoon. Sensitiveness to cold air. Restlessness in afternoon-moving about not knowing what to do. General feeling of illness. Weak, trembling, exhausted feeling, with slight nausea. Easily fatigued, as after great exertion. Palpitation and faintness. After 3rd dose, tremors all over ; after 4th dose, sick all over ; so weak and trembling as not to be able to go out or study ; believes the condition to be but one remove from mania à potu ; next m. weak and trembling. Feeling of exhaustion, as from over-exercise. Desire to lie down and close eyes. General bruised feeling as if sore. Sensation as if from severe muscular exercise, especially in small of back. General feeling of weakness, weariness, and prostration, as if from over-exercise ; it affects 1. side most ; feeling which only those know who " spree," " court," or watch all night with the sick. Soreness and stiffness of whole body, as after hard labour. Sensation in head as though he had been on a " spree " and was getting over it. Uneasy feeling, hardly amounting to pain, in all parts, principally in r. side. In m. his joints felt, on motion, as if he had laboured exceedingly hard previous d.; joints felt stiff for a d. after. In m. there was general . feeling of lameness, and many unenviable feelings, which he thinks the feelings on getting over a " spree " would hardly express, unless it was. a pretty hard case. Poisonings.- 1 . A(N. Am.æt.Fourn. lady, ofHom., 26, had vii, 450.) off and on had labour-pains for a mo. after expected time. A drachm of Squibb's fluid extr. of C. was administered. In less than 2 h. patient began to complain of great pain in head, back, and limbs, with vertigo to such an extent that she could not sit up. Pupils were enormously dilated and vision much disordered. Labour-pains ceased entirely for 36 h., and pupils remained dilated all that time, though intense pains in head and limbs ceased in about 12 h ., during which time there was also nausea and vomiting, with feeble pulse and prostration. (GARRISON, Brit. and For. M. Ch. Review, xliv, 547.) 2. When exhibited in a full dose, it prostrates in a distressing degree, producing nausea, vertigo, pains of extremities, anxiety, dilatation of pupils, quick small pulse, with universal restlessness and uneasiness. These effects are immediate and transitory. Its ultimate remote operation is the converse of the above. (GARDEN, Amer. Med. Recorder, vi, 611.) 3. A woman took teaspoonful doses of powdered root for chorea. The only sensation produced was an uneasy feeling, "almost an ache," through all extremities, coming on every time she took it, and lasting from 1 to 3 or 4 h. (YOUNG, Amer. Fourn. of Med. Sc. , ix, 313.) 4. In a woman of 35, in whom catamenia had not appeared since

she was 20, the I, dil. produced, after she had taken it about 10 d., " a catching pain at the l. side,just where the heart is," which comes on when she bends body forward, sometimes when sitting at dinner, and after dinner. Throat is rather sore also, and she has been passing a great quantity of clear urine, which makes her feel very weak. She never had symptoms like these before. (COOPER, M. H. Rev., xv, 179.) 5. a. Dr. King found it in three cases, given for rheumatism, cause symptoms like those of delirium tremens. " In the cases referred to," he writes : " I gave 20-30 dr. every h., but on the occurrence of these symptoms omitted the medicine till they had disappeared, and again administered it, but in smaller doses, until I found that even 2 or 3 dr. would be followed by the same results, and was therefore compelled to cease its use altogether. In one I was near being dismissed for insisting that patient had taken liquor. There was nausea, retching, dilated pupils, tremor of limbs, incessant talking, and changing from one subject to another without any order, though patients were perfectly sensible when addressed ; great wakefulness, imagining strange objects on the bed, and in the room, as rats, sheep, &c.; sometimes arousing from their incoherent talkativeness as if startled, and inquiring regarding persons present- Who is that ? what does he want here ?" &c.; with quick full pulse, wild look of eyes, and the peculiar, indescribable expression of face commonly observed among those who labour under delirium tremens." b. I myself once gave tinct. to a girl with dysmenorrhea, a drop every h. at first, then everyth. When I saw her she had no pains, but said her head felt strange and wild ; her pupils were dilated, she talked incoherently, and exclaimed that she saw rats, mice, and insects on bed, floor, and ceiling. She also complained of a distressing roaring in head . c. A lady who was taking 5 dr. of the 1, for rheumatism, was annoyed with an illusion as of a mouse running from under her chair. This illusion disappeared upon suspending the medicine, and recurred when taking it in same doses. (HALE, New Remedies, 2nd and 5th ed.) *

Volume II — Appendix

Cimicifuga.-The following provings have been made with Macrotin, the resinoid prepared from C. I. Provings.-1 . E. P. SEIP, M.D.-" The following provings were made with the 3rd trit. , 3 or 4 gr. being taken 3 times a d. with a gradual increase in the quantityuntil 25 gr. a day were taken." [This is all the information given; and the symptoms are presented in schema form without even an indication oftheir respective subjects. On inquiry Dr. Seip tells us that the day-books are lost; that the provers were four ladies and himself, the majority of the symptoms having been experienced by the latter.-EDS .] a. Mind. He is constantly troubling himself about something. More or less fear; apprehensive; thinks she has some incurable disease. She feels miserable ; words cannot express how badly she feels. Mind is dull,heavy; cannot collect her thoughts long enough to write a few lines. Fear of impending danger. She sits for a long time without thought, moving her hands and feet; frequent sighing. Melancholy; at times very irritable; relieved when menstruation sets in. Great forgetfulness, with inability to concentrate her ideas, which makes her very angry. Suspicious of everybody ; thinks she has not told the truth in regard to herself. b. Head andFace.-Pain in occiput in m. Severe sharp pain over 1. eye, extending through head to occipital protuberance. Throbbing headache p.m., increasing towards e., worse during motion, must be perfectly quiet. Headache, preceded by lachrymation. Dullheadache, commencing inocciput,gradually extending to vertex and forehead, temporarily relieved by pressure and by sleep ; nextd. soreness in eye. balls, aggravated by pressure. Headache in e., relieved on setting in of nausea and eructations. Face suddenly becomes flushed and hot. c. Mouth and Throat.-Dry, sticky feeling in mouth. Tongue slightly coated, yellowish ; sense of taste impaired. Tongue is pale and feels heavy. Dryness in throat, causing frequent hawking and coughing. d. Stomach andAbdomen.-Nausea and eructations in e. Faint feeling in epi. gastrium, extending over whole chest and head, followed immediately by throbbing sensation over whole body. Faintness at epigastrium on meeting anyone he knows, like that produced by a sudden fright. Sharp cutting pain in umbilical region early in m., relieved after large papescent stool. Alternate constipation and diarrhea. e. Genito-urinary System.-Frequent urination, copious or not. Suppression of menses for 6 weeks. Pulsating pain in back, relieved by pressure and after menstruation. During menstruation bearing-down pain, with sensation of tightness around hips. Menses scanty and dark; clotted; afterwards increased in quantity. Dysmenorrhœa ; pain not relieved for several h. after flow has commenced. Dark circles round eyes the week before menstruation, which disappear when menses have set in. Mammæ feels sore, and extremities heavy, before menstruation. f. Chest and Back.-Sudden sharp pains a little below 1. nipple. Darting pains in chest, both sides, with palpitation. Pain in l. chest, extending through to back. Pain as if in heart, extending down 1. arm to fingers, with palpitation. Frequent palpitation at n. in bed, or from least excitement or exertion. Sensation in neck as ifmuscles were too short. Pulsating pain in lumbar region, relieved by supporting back. Pain in whole back, as if all its muscles were bruised. g. Extremities.-Dull pain in r. arm from elbow to shoulder. Pain in l. shoulder shooting down to fingers. Weakness in both arms, and inability to move them. Heaviness of legs as if very tired. Pain in l. knee, inside patella, and in r. ankle. Muscles feel as if too short. Pain in muscles of thigh.

h. Sleep. Sleeplessness till 2 a.m. Disturbed sleep ; dreams much of trouble and danger. When falling asleep, starts up suddenly for fear he will fall, or to avoid danger. Dreams ofbeing on heights and in danger offalling. Wakes up at n. with palpitation. i. Generalities.-Great restlessness ; must move about, and mind feels easier for doing so. Desire to move constantly about, but feels so weak and tired as hardly to be able to get on his feet, yet after walking awhile he feels better, but soon relapses into his previous feeling ofweakness. Whole muscular system seems exhausted after least exertion. The acute pains are aggravated by motion. (Trans. of Penns. State Hom. Med. Soc. , 1873.) 2. a. Hale, in his New Remedies, speaks of its curative powers in rheumatism, and the affection being characterised by muscular pains, no desire to do anything, extreme restlessness, and frontal headache. These peculiar symptoms prompted Dr. Wallace, of Allegheny, to take the remedy, in hopes of curing himself, being then troubled with rheumatism, and in doing sohe made the accidental proving I am about to relate. His symptoms were violent frontal headache, tongue coated brownish. yellow, pain in the eyeballs, taste sweetish, nausea, no appetite, pains principally muscular, affecting the extremities, pain in small of back, tenderness in region of liver, indisposition to do anything, nervous and restless ; pulse 86. All pains and nervous symptoms made worse at n., ameliorated during d. Knowing that these symptoms bear a striking resemblance to Macrotin, as described in Hale's New Remedies, on Dec. 22nd, at 11 a.m., he took 1 gr.; in about 2 h. had a tickling in throat, then nausea, followed by coughing up a blood-streaked mucus, after which the contents of the stomach were vomited up. In a short time after this the frontal headache became worse, also the rest of the rheumatic pains, in a marked degree ; the muscles of the thigh were so sore, that it was with great difficulty he could move them; the tenderness in region of liver intense. The cough, nausea, and vomiting ceased after 2 h., but the rheumatic pains continued all the time; the nervous symptoms added, at n., new miseries to the disease, and only at n. When in bed, the covers seemed too warm for the body, but the feet were cold, so he would get out andwarm his feet at the fire, moving about continually with a feeling as if delirium would soon set in, or he be deprived of his mind. These symptoms continued until m., when they were ameliorated. b. 23rd. Thinking the remedy indicated, and not attributing any of his sufferings to Macrotin, he tried another dose of I gr. with same effect ; nausea, cough, and vomiting, fol followed by aggravation of rheumatic pains more severe, and at n. by greater restlessness. 24th.-Took 1 gr.; same effect ; in addition, ankles began to swell, cough much worse, more blood expectorated, voice becoming husky. 25th.-Took same dose, persevering in the remedy because the symptoms were more prominent than ever. The tongue had cleaned; the dose had the same effect, with additional suffering ; he was now so bad from rheumatic pains as to be confined to the house, and the nervous excitement at n. prevented all sleep. 26th.-Having suffered so much, and suspecting that Macrotin was affecting him, I gr. was put in a glass of water, and of this 2 teaspoonfuls were taken every 2 h. The same aggra. vations took place as previously ; his sufferings were now so severe that he gave up the remedy. No improvement was visible except the tongue, and that was clean ; the pulse was now 120; the rheumatic pains and nervous symptoms so terrible as to make his friends believe he would lose his mind. 27th.-Took belladonna, 6th , in m., and rhus, 6th, in afternoon. 28th.-No better ; the same symptoms remain. Having procured some Macrotin, 12th, took a dose every 2 h. with good effect. 29th.- Improvement; continued Macrotin. 30th. -Improvement; one dose everyd. 31st. - Improving, and continued until well, taking daily two doses. After being well, andthinking that perhaps Macrotin did not make the aggravations, he tried three doses in 3 successived.,with a renewal of all his former symptoms. (R. B. WILLARD , M.D., U. S. Med. and Surg. Journ., ii , 283.) Cocainum.-P. 278, after III. 2, add " (Journ. ofAmer. Med. Assoc., Jan. 17 , 1885.)" After II. 6, insert the following : 7. Aman applied a 4 per cent. solution to gums for toothache. He did not spit it out, and thinks he must have swallowed 30-40 dr. Within h. was seized with

faintness and giddiness; then palpitation came on, and he complained oftingling and numbness, dryness at back of throat, and sensation of heat and flushings moving over body, especially spine. Suddenly scarlatinoid rash appeared over body, most marked on neck. Pupilsnatural and responsive to light, but vision somewhatdimmed. After emesis, which was very difficult to obtain, the patient felt better for a few m., and seemed brighter; but symptoms soon returned, and he felt so weak that he thought he was dying. He did not smell strong ammonia held to nose. Was walked about, buttottered so much that he had to be supported. Constantly felt desire to have use of bowels and bladder. Mind remained clear, pulse quick, weak, and intermittent. (Lancet, 1886, i, 1149.) Cocculus. Drs. Chirone and Testa thus sum up the result oftheir researches on the action ofpicrotoxin, in the Annali Universali di Medicina e Chirugia for April, 1880. 1. Picrotoxin is capable ofproducing a true artificial epilepsy. 2. This epilepsy is independent of the psycho-motor centres; it is, indeed, more intense after their removal. 3. The picrotoxin acts first on the medulla oblongata and on the commissural fibres between the brain and spinal cord, and then on the spinal centres themselves. 4. The convulsive movements of the limbs produced by picrotoxin are due first to action on the medulla oblongata, propagated to the spinal cord. 5. Cinchonidin is capable of producing epilepsy of cerebral origin, picrotoxin epilepsy of spinal origin. (Brit. Med. Journ., Feb. 12th, 1881.)