Valeriana officinalis

Volume IV — Main text

VALERIANA. Valeriana officinalis, L. Wild valerian, heal-all. Nat. Ord., t^altriaiuuttt.

1, Provings. — I. (No information.) Coldness ; nausea and inclination to vomit, as from a thread hanging in throat, — sensation seems to mount from umbilicus, and causes copious flow of saliva ; toothache; wandering pricking pains in teeth and external neck, over orbits, io scrob. cordis, and in umbilicus; sparks before eyes; palpitation; vomiting and purging ; fever {" synochus " in type) ; pressing pjin in abdomen ; cutting pain in abdomen ; strong feeling of expansion in abdomen, as if almost to bursting ; abdomen hard (observed at 4th h.) ', paralytic torpor in limbs ; contusive pain in limbs ; shooting headache; shooting-pressive headache for 8 h. ; rheumatic pains in shoulderblades and in limbs ; drawing pain in back ; tearing pain in chest ; increased heat; sleeplessness; tossing about, (Hahnemann, /Va^m, de yiribus.)

1. Dr. Piper took, Feb. nth, 1838, m., fasting, Sivtinct. Taste not disagreeable, cooling like peppermint. After a lew m. slight nausea and constriction on tongue like what occurs before vomiting. After ^ h. rumbling and increased heat in stomach, occasional tasteless eructation for I J h., relieved by breakfast. All d. great gaiety and sparkling eyes. Towards noon full feeling in stomach, with moderate distension of bowels. Restless n. These symptoms, which did not recur next d,, were probably due rather to the unaccustomed dose of spirit than to the drug. 13th, m., fasting, took a knife-pointful of the powder of V. Nausea for J h., then warm feeling in stomach. Little appetite at noon, none e. At n. distension of abdomen, causing restlessness. — 14th. M., after rising nausea and inclination to vomit, better after eating, when he went into open air. At noon constant rumbling in upper part of abdomen, appetite improved. P.m., some pain in sciatic region from r. trochanter to knee, making walking difficult. Chilliness off and on till e., when he had 2 loose motions with tickling in anus. II p.m., when half asleep, feeling as if beaten with a hammer

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within in occiput, must throw his head from one side to the other, which woke him up completely. Soon fell asleep, and passed a

rid n. — 15th, m., great diarrhoea and unusual thirst till noon. {^Hg- Ztg., xix, 201.)

1. Franz.* — After ^ h., pupils somewhat dilated (9 a.m.). After

|h., in m., dryness for \ h. of tip of tongue, without thirst ; in region

of soft palate stitches gradually increasing, finally with bitter taste in

mouth and salivation causing cough (from fumes) ; when putting I.

arm on table (writing), drawing pain from deltoid muscle downwards,

also in bend of elbow, — on letting arm hang down drawing through

whole of it, finally heaviness in fingers as if gorged with blood ; pulse

78, with weak almost imperceptible beat of heart {8b beats). After

1 h., pressure (almost twitching) at r, side of lower lip and in gums of

r. cinine tooth ; drawing pressure below r. inguinal ring (in glands)

with tenderness on separating thighs, and pain on touching spot ;

»titch in rectum, standing. For first 3 h. frequent urination. After

li h., tremulous, restless, as from anticipating some great joy ; stitches

on vertex (10 p.m.). After 2 h., penetrating pressive drawing from

"*pe of neck to occiput; on bending head backwards (11 a.m.),

pressing and drawing into side of occiput (from fumes) ; tearing in r.

tyeball (do.) ; eructations before dinner ; drawing downwards on outer

*'<le of thighs in m., only when stretching lower limbs outwards ;

sudden stitch in region of heart when sitting upright or standing,

•cssened from stooping, only when inspiring ; pulse 90, during first

4 h. ftill and strong, in second J h. diastole shortened, with pleasant

*'3rtnih all over body and a tremulous anxious feeling as if from

*tHjonjgp ; pulse irregular, 60 to 90 in successive minutes, weak and

'null (forenoon) ; tremulousness and transient chilliness (11 a.m.) }

P'^asantly increased interna! and external warmth of body. After

*i h. stitches in region of kidneys, sitting down. After 3 h,, midday,

PfCfisive feeling in r. eye, as if from a stye ; cheeks become red and hot

"* open air, without sweat, ^ h. after sweat over whole body, especially

'*^c (noon) ; \ h. after dinner (meat and vegetables) bitter taste in tip

^^ tongue when licking lips ; violent ravenous hunger at midday,

^*using a sort of nausea, — though thoughts of food are indifFerent to him,

*'*U he cats with relish and a great deal ; during dinner heat in whole

'**^y and face, with sweat in hair of forehead. After 4 h., headache i h.

^ftcr dinner, pressure over eyes as if eyes were forced out, especially

'J'^en moving them. After 6 h., biting in eyes as from smoke (3 p.m.).

After 6^8 h., pain while driving in middle of thigh down to below

'^"ee along outer side, as if bruised, also in I. ankle-joint, especially

J'^hen carriage jolts. After 7 h., eructation of a rancid fluid (heart-

""^rn), not reaching mouth. After 13 h., shining before eyes in the dark

['o p.ni.), the dark room appeared to him as if lit up by dawn, so that

^^ fancied he could discern the objects in it, — therewith a sort of

'"*cness of touch, by which he could feel proximity of objects without

^king at them. After 14 h., 11 p.m. in bed, ringing in ears and

P^lucinations of hearing, thought he heard striking of bell. First d.,

No information as to this and 3 following proving^, save that experiments were tly instituted on themselves and other healthy persons.— Eds.

stool regular ; after 24 h., greenish pappy stool with some blood. Pai** in heel, especially r., sitting ; bellyache, with pinching (e. in bed) » drawing across sacrum (do.) ; after walking, stiffness and painfi** fatigue in bends of arms and knees (5 p.m.) ; eruption, at first red an** confluent, then abundant small white hard nodules on arm and ovt *" chest; increased warmth all d., especially when moving, with breaking^^

out of sweat on face and forehead, and frequent strong pulse of 80

90 ; when walking all at once he.4t and sweat of whole body, especiall)^' face } apprehensive, e., in dark (fearing somebody might hurt him) ^ mood more cheerful than before, could perceive and understand every^— thing better, a sort of hilarity, as after coffee. On first n. sleep witH*^ confused dreams and great exhaustion in m. On 2nd d., at 9 a.m..^ oppression and an.\iety on chest, after usual breakfast, and bubbling pressure above anus, about and on coccyx. At 10 a.m. burning smarting in eyes. Forenoon, morbid irritability of nerves ; though he secm^ cheerful, and stronger than before, still exhausted feeling in eyes, anns-^ and knee-joints. At noon taste and smell as of stinking tallow (before dinner). Sweat at forehead, and, after eating, exhaustion of eyes »s after a debauch. At i p.m. tensive pain from bend of knee through calf, sitting; boring pain in 1. side of rectum as if in sphincter, standing. At 2 p.m. drawing bruised pain in L hypogastrium, sittingt extending to middle of abdomen, and soon after rumbling in bowel*. At 4 p.m., when beginning to walk, especially on making a false $step, pinching pain above bend of r. knee ; when putting r. leg over 1. tearing in 1. calf ; drawing in ankle-joint, sitting ; heaviness with drawing pain in tips of 3 middle toes, with chilled feeling as if wind was blowing through soles into calves. At 5 p.m. a draught causes immediately drawitig pain in r. side of head ; tensive pain in r. testicle, sitting; pinching pain in external side of calf, sitting. At 6 p.m., stitches below point of elbow. At 7 p.m., pain in 1. hypogastrium, sitting, as from over-stretching. At 9 p.m., dry heat in face and body, sitting. After 10 p.m., violent bellyache in 1. hypogastrium. From lO to 11, painful pressing drawing in hypogastrium. At 10 p.m., pinching pain in front of thigh, extending upwards. At 1 1 p.m., pressive headache, chiefly over orbits j gastric region and region of liver tender to touch; pressing crampy pain in 1. hypogastrium ; painful stitches in outer border of deltoid muscle. From 1 1 to 1 2 p.m. tearing in bends of knees, sitting and standing ; tearing on back of toes, especially of big toes. On 2nd d. simply, pain here and there in abdomen the whole c,, once for I h. pressing in umbilical region ; great exhaustion and sleepiness in e. i increased heat all d. with quick and frequent pulse \ in c. repeated flushes of heat over cheeks for 2 h., pulse being only 60, with dry feeling of tongue but without thirst, and not preceded by chilliness, — with this drawing pressive pain in r. side of head, extending into r. orbit, and i — 2 h. afterwards bellyache; sleep full of anxious (; voluptuous) dreams on 2nd n., e.g. of riding in a carriage in water; transient pinching in region of bladder. On 3rd d., era and drawing, as if gone to sleep, in penis (m. in bed), on previo^. . frequent erections ; on rising great lassitude in knees and ankles, with bruised pain transversely across thighs and in sacrum. 7 — 9 %jm^

pun in bends of elbows, while writing, as if bruised, extending upwards and drawing to biceps. At 10 a.m., while writing, tremor of hands, heat and redness of cheeks, with warmth of body ; pulse 85. ^^Vt II a.m. stitches in inner canthus ; stitches in front of head of ^Kibia. At noon, pulse 90, sweat of hair of forehead with stifFness of ^Hoins. At I p.m. persistent stitches in 1. tendo Achillis. 1 — 2 p.m., ^Pl>ain and swelling of eyelids. At 2 p.m. violent tearing in anus when 1^ moving on his chair; sudden stitches in chest, through to region of I liver, causing him fright. At 3 p.m. disagreeable (almost painful) j^ftitching in axilla. At 4 p.m. tearing up inner side of forearm. At l^r s p.m., when pressing his hat on his head, feeling of icy coldness of upper half of head ; frequent stitches in chest while riding slowly. At ^■8 p.m. violent stitches in and pressing outward of last true 1. ribs, ^B standing. At 10 p.m. pressure across lower half of chest, with oppres- ^^ sion, walking. At 1 1 p.m. stitches in middle phalanges of fingers, I heat of 1. hip, like burning, in bed. On 4.th d., in m., tearing jerking piin ajcending to hips. At 12, sudden jerking drawing in muscles of [ upper arm above bend of elbow and in outer muscles of thigh. EfBo- I rtsccnce on upper lip and cheek of small white vesicles on raised red ^^ nufgin, painful to touch ; pain of patella; ; stitches and pain of heel ^H while sitting ; pain in tips of toes. No note of time : — She feels sick ^H lod fnint, with white lips and icy coldness of body, then vomiting of ^B bile and mucus with strong shuddering. (Staff's Beitriige.) ^H 4. Gross. — Sudden stunning in head, staggers and almost falls ^H tideways, while standing ; transient pain as from blow on vertex, ^H p»im'ul stunning constrictive feeling, occupying whole head though ^H starting from vertex as a centre, and disappearing first from other parts, ^H niially from vertex ; blunt inward pressure on r. temple, intermittent ^H UfferS m.) ; fugitive twitches in r, temple ; tight drawing across fore- ^m ''ad (after 5 m.) ; dull tension behind frontal tuberosity ; dull pressive ^ *untnction in 1. forehead ; painful drawing round orbits, more towards oncside, especially on stooping (after ^ h.) ; slight twitching in r. auditory ■neatus (after { h.) ; drawing in 1. meatus ; fugitive repeated twitchings '0 1. cheek-bone; painful twitching drawing, transient, in r. chcek- ••one (after J h.) ; quick painless twitching from time to time below F «in of I. cheek, which he thinks must be visible, but which is not so, ^stroking with hand disperses it for a short time; repeated empty ^ructjtions ; immediately after waking eructation of sulphuretted

hvd

rogcn ; she has warm risings from stomach oppressing breath ;

'"dden pressure in scrob. cordis, disappearing with rumbling; on carti- '"igeofal. rib over scrob. cordis blunt-pointed intermittent pressure; * fugitive, sudden, quick cutting from scrob. cordis to region of navel (jfter i h.) ; bloated stomach ; involuntary retraction of abdomen, with N", pinching, and cutting ; winding with some nausea in hypogas- (nuni, as before menses ; blunt pressing pain in abdominal muscles, as if bruised or from cold, worse during inspiration ; bruised feeling on and about OS pubis, increasing at times to a painful pressing or drawing ;

l«fter regular motion strong urging in anus as if diarrhoea would follow, — ihis disappears gradually, but returns after some h., so that he has again

~cu go to stool, when he has only a natural motion ; strong, hearty

sneezings fugitive twitchings like electric shocks below r. stxilli; during deep inspiration a dull stitch like outward pressure in i. side of chest below axilla, lasting as long as the inspiration, — also pressure causes soreness ; violent pain in I. lumbar region above hip, as from ovcr'lifting, worse standing or sitting than walking ; in axilla, also in other places, on quite a small spot, pressure or blunt stitches as from i hard blunt instrument ; pressure in head of humerus ; re{>eated painful twitchings through humerus like electric shocks ; sudden violeat transitory twitchings in 1. hand, spot hurts even afterwards wheo touched j repeated electric twitchings through 1. thumb ; twitchings in muscles of r. hip ; while standing, repeated fugitive twitchings io middle of 1. femur like electric shocks, then bruised pain there ; from time to time dull pressure above 1. knee across thigh^ then agaia descending downwards to knee ; soreness in outer side of 1. knee; blunt pressure under 1. knee j great heaviness and lassitude of legtt standing, disappearing sitting (after ^ h.) ; bruised pain in front of middle of tibix as if broken (for days) ; fugitive dislocated pain in r. ankle-joint, worse standing, disappearing from walking ; fugitive repeated twitchings in inner margin of r. foot, like electric thi (after ^ h.) ; sudden dislocative pain in r. ankle, felt more stani than walking ; painful slow drawing and twitchings in bom limbs, sitting ; drawing fugitive twitchings in many spots here there ; superficial twitchings in muscles ; yawning and stretching of limbs ; pulse tense, somewhat frequent and irregular, sometimes 2— J beats are quicker ; horripilations from nape of neck downwards ; chilliness down whole body ; warm all over except hip, where she feels ai if cold water was poured on her. [Ibid.)

1. Staff. — After ^ h. quickly passing nausea. After \ h. stupid in head, with flying heat when bending forwards ; violent pressure in forehead, followed after a few m. by stitches in forehead, espcciJlj over orbits, alternating with pressure, — stitches seem jerking out of (lasting some h.) ; some stitches below 1. short ribs. After \ b. fi in head as after intoxication, some excitement \ twisting when st as if everything was turning round; scratching in throat with in tual urging to hawk. After a, 3, and 4 h. violent deep internal jerkjj stitches in middle of forehead, coming and going ; painful drawing stitches in muscles of 1. arm from axilla to fingers, a sort of ti unafFected by posturCj much worse after second dose, disappearing violent stitch in knee while walking, and replaced by pain up and di between 1. knee and toes (less walking than sitting), then slighter entering r. foot ; violent stitch from axilla to fingers ; heavi»es>' calves, impeding walking. {Ibid.)

2. WisLicENUs. — Rapid change of ideas, as during intoxicidoaf dim confused recollection of former ideas and actions, changing with such rapidity as to render him quite stunned and blank as if dreamifll (from fumes). {Ibid.)

3. Barrallier proved the oil on several persons. a. 2 dr. in a spoonful of water were taken at 8 a.m., fastinir. hr 1

strong man of 40, pulse 64. 9, slight supra-orbital headache, c

on r. side, gradually increased for an h., after which it was jcjj^*^^"

by slight heaviness of head, a sh'ght pain still remaining over 1. eyebrow. Pulse 60. Even up to 2 p.m. there was a little weight in head, smd at 3 urine became very copious, of high colour and strong odour j there was also pressure at epigastrium, and tasteless eructation ; pulse 80. At 5 all symptoms had disappeared, save some fatigue and dulncss of head.

L A healthy man of 33, pulse 72, took same at same time. At 8-3 5> slight heaviness of head, as in commencing intoxication ; foetid eructations ; pulse has fallen to 68 ; diminished capacity for work ; sense of heat at epigastrium, g, lengthened yawnings ; oppression of head continues ; pulse 62. At dejeuner little appetite, everything tasting of V. (whose odour was also perceived in sweat and urine). In course of afternoon symptoms went off gradually, pulse rising to 76. {Bui/, dt Thirapeutitjue^ lix, 243.)

1. a. A healthy man of 21, pulse 80, took 6 dr. in water at 8.30 a.m., fasting. Immediate effect was nausea and salivation, but this soon passed off, and nothing more was noticed till noon, when he had repeated yawnings, and chill \ at i, irresistible drowsiness came on, and he slept profoundly till 3. Pulse, which had fallen to 62, now gradually rose, and at 4 was 96.

b. A healthy man of 19, pulse 64, took same at 8 a.m., fasting. Similar immediate effects followed. At 9, pulse was large, compress, ibie, 56. Nothing more felt till 2, when skin became hot, pulse rose to 78, and face was reddened ; agitation set in, then pronounced somnolence. Urine was copious, of deeper colour than is natural, and of strong valerianic odour.

c, Man of 19, in good health, pulse 80, took same at same time. Local effects lasted till 9.30, when pulse was 64. Slight headache and soainolencc at 1 1 ; at noon profound sleep till 2 ; on waking, headache had gone, urine was as in last case; pulse at 5 p.m. 90. {Ihid.)

1. a. Healthy man of 20, pulse 68, took 10 dr. in water at 7 a.m. An h. after, nausea, pulse 56, sense of great dryness at back of mouth j frequent cough ; slight headache. At 9, heat of skin ; pulse small, contracted, 78 \ face reddened ; nausea and risings of potion. At noon, general malaise; head dull and heavy; great tendency to sleep; dry cough at intervals ; pulse 70 ; urine as previously. No appetite for breakfast or dinner.

b. Strong man of 48 took same at same time, pulse 72. From 8 to 9 pulse gradually fell to 60 ; weight at temples; heat of skin ; urine as before. At 4 p.m. headache ; pulse 74. All d. strong distaste for tobacco, though he is a great smoker. At 6, much hunger. Sleepy in e. earlier than usual, and unbroken sleep during n., which he has not known for 3 mos.

c. Robust man of 41, pulse 70, took same. At 10, unusual perspiration, smelling slightly o\ V.; heavy headache; little capacity for mental work, inclination to sleep; pulse 64. At noon, irresistible sleep, which lasted 3 h.; general fatigue, especially in lower extremities ; urine as before. Pulse, which was only 52 on waking, rose gradually towards e. to 72. {Ibid.)

December I2th, 1822, a fourth

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part

IS

of an infusion of ^iij of root to ^xij of water. Through e. he tc»* eager and more cheerful than usual. Same result followed next d. ^ similar dose of a giv to ^^xij inf. On 14th, same proporiion of ajv tO ^xij inf. made head feel very free, and mental operations scenic** carried on more easily and brightly. N. was quiet, but next m. urioC was turbid, with a scanty whitish sediment. Last dose, on i6tb, waS taken from a ^vj to '^xij inf. N. was restless, and urine in m. turbid> with a mucous deposit, which dissolved on slightly agitating vessel.

b. On Jan. 23rd, 1823, E. took at 4 p.m. 553 of powdered root in water. Sleep at n. was disturbed by dreams, and urine next m. wrx« cloudy, with a whitish mucous deposit. On 24th he took 3J. During e. he was unusually gay ; n. was very restless, with vivid dreams towards m. ; urine was as before. Same results followed ^iss on 25th and 5ij on 31st. (Jorg, Malerialien.)

1. a. GoNTTz tookSijongth Dec, 3] on lOth, ^iss on nth, and ^ij on I2th and 13th, in infusion, without effect. After ^iij on I4tb, at 4 p.m., slight headache and restless sleep. After same dose on i6th slight general headache till 9 p.m., restless sleep, and bran-like deposit in urine. Same dose on 17th gave same results, but 3ij on l8th were without effect.

b. On Jan. 20th, 1823, G. took 353, and on 25th 3J, in powrdcr, without effect. After 3iss on 27th, frequent eructations, afterward* nausea, malaise, fulness in stomach, and headache; n. was re$tle$s,an^ sediment was observed in m. ; urine as before.

c. On m. of June 2nd, 1824, G. took an inf. of 355 to 3X of wate«'» After rumbling and some cutting in bowels 2 loose stools occurretJ- On 9th he took a 3J to 3X inf. After ^ h. slight scraping in throa.for 5 m., and sense of fulness in head for 2 h. These eflccts also followed 5ij on loth and 13th. On these d, there were also diarrhoci^ evacuations about 2 p.m., pulse and appetite continuing normal; aa^i urine became cloudy as before. [Ibid.)

1. a. Haase took same doses as 10 a without effect, save eruct*." tions and scraping in throat, till he came to the 3vj to "^xij infusion^ on i6th and 17th Dec, lo m. after which copious diuresis began, and continued some h. On 18th and igth same proportion of a Jj to Jx-ij infusion was taken, with similar but no further effect.

b. In Jan. 3SS of powder was taken without effect, but 3J and ji** doses were followed by eructations and diuresis as before, \lbid.)

1. a. Heistkrbergk began with the 3V to "^xij infusion, which ha<i no effect; and the 3VJ to ^'"J* taken Dec 16th, produced merely eructations j but latter dose next d. caused after 6 — 8 m. gcnerJM warmth over body, lasting ^ h. On i8th the 3j to ,^xij was uscd,xr»«^ general heat again ensued, passing off in \ h. without sweating. O" both occasions eructations also occurred. On a double dose of tlii* infusion being taken on 19th, same effects followed ; and urine pissc'' in c. showed next m. a whitish sediment,

b. From 3SS, 3J, and 3iss of powder taken 20th, l4ih, and astk Jan., nothing was observed. From 3ij on 28th nothing came »« eructations, but on m. of 39th urine was cloudy and sedimentous. On 30th same dose had same effects but also on rising, 3istja pressivc

Valeriana.

feeling in 1. hypochondrium, which on coughing or deep breathing rises to acute pain ; it lasted unchanged till Feb. ist. {Hid.)

1. KnE5CHK£ took all the infusions, but fruitlessly ; and the same

result followed his trial of the powder, in doses of 5SS — ^ij. In June,

1824, he took infusions of jss and then of 5J in 5X of water. In 2 h.

after second pulse fell from 75 to 70, and remained thus for 2 h. ; during

which time he had sense of fulness in head, with increased warmth of

face. On 9th, at 8 a.m., he took a 3ij to 3''*^ '"f- After ^ h.

unwonted feeling of fulness in stomach, which lasted all forenoon, and

at midday and p.m. spoiled his usually good appetite. From 10 to 12

there was congestion to head, with unaltered pulse. On lOth he took

3J of powder in ^J water. It was followed bv eructations, fulness at

stomach, and diminished appetite. On llth, took ^iss at 9 a.m.

Same symptoms as yesterday, and also a steady determination of blood

Co the head. The gastric symptoms lasted on into e. and even n.

On i2th, 8 a.m., he took ^ij in Jiss water. Eructations were not so

frt<juent or so lasting as yesterday j in region of stomach from 9 till

noon feeling of fulness and slight pressure, especially at cardiac end;

ycry little appetite at midday. From 9 to 10 congestion to head,

***«! for first i of this h. a not exactly unpleasant dulness of forehead.

1. KuMMER took, Dec. 1 2th, J of the giij to ^^xij infusion, '^^ter 3 h. slight pressivc headache, spreading from forehead towards

«icx, and especially towards eyes, causing pressive feeling in eyeballs

slight exertion of eyes. Next d. took the ^ss in '^xij inf. at 4 p.m.

t 10 noticed confusion of head, changing repeatedly into pressing

^ring pain, especially in frontal region. Slept more soundly than

^ «ial. Next m. felt as if pharynx were spasmodically contracted,

^ich sensation lasted till l p.m. After 4 oz. of infusion 3V in J^'jj

i I after 4 h. troublesome pressing pain in r. frontal region, now and

ain extending to 1. side. Next d. he took the ^vj in ,'^xij at 4 p.m. ;

X.^--*"Vard8 7 p.m. felt same pressing headache, which gradually spread

*"^Dm r. frontal region over whole head, ceasing at times but soon

^^^ turning, but without disturbing sleep at n. This headache passed off

^-arijig subsequent sound sleep, but returned (less violently) at 2 p.m.

^ ^xt d., and lasted 3 h. After the 3J '" .^'''j> taken at 4 p.m. on i8th,

_^ '*^ticed after 3 h. signs of congestion of head ; pressing squeezing head-

^^he spreading from r. frontal region over whole head, extending at

«T)C8 to eyes, leaving them sensitive to slight movement, and pene-

f^

t:i

^ «~aring occasionally as far as angle of lower jaw on r. side ; therewith ^■■^^ times feeling like that of a limb " gone to sleep." {Ihid.)

1. a. Winkler took the first two infusions without effect. From ^\ic3vto 5"^ ^^ ^^^ increased secretion of urine, in which on standing **rown flocks formed. He then took the ^vj to ^xij. In J h. unwonted ^Wrfulness ; urine as before. On 17th, experiment of previous d. ■^aj repeated. Soon after dose a notable, almost petulant mirthfulness ; Pulse only a little quicker ; urine dark red and turbid, with vermilion ^rick-dust cloud and sediment. On i8th the ^j to ^xij inf. was taken, *ith same result, — exhilaration lasting all d. at intervals. No fresh Jymptotrs resulted from repetition of experiment on J9th, save that

3$8

Valeriana.

pulse was somewhat quicker. Urine retained for several d. conditiassumed on 1 7th.

b. On Jan. 20th W — took ^ss of powder without effect, C" 22nd he took 3J ; after which overnight urine showed brown floclc*» and became turbid on agitation. On 23rd he took gij. After J fc. feeling of comfort and heightened cheerfulness. Urine as yciicrday. On 25th gij. No sensorial excitement j the somewhat scantier urine showed mucus in it. 27th. — ^iiss in ^iss water. Felt very uncomfortable and low-spirited, with anorexia up to bedtime. Next m. very languid. Urine for days was brownish and turbid, with a vermilion deposit. It did not become quite normal till Feb. 3rd. {Ibid.)

1. PiENiTz took inf. of 5SS to3x and of 3) to3''ss without cffeci. After giss to _^iv he experienced all d. sense of pressure and weight in stomach, and had, p.m., two pappy stools. [Ibid.)

2. a. SiEBENHAAR, at 9 a.m. on 2nd June, 1824, took inf. of 51* to 3X. Scraping feeling in throat for \ h. ; after \ h. movement and rumbling in small intestine, lasting ^ h. ; after some h. an altered, indescribable, very troublesome, nauseating taste. On 3rd took inf. of 3J to 3X at 8 a.m. After \ h, movement and rumbling, with slight cutting in bowels, especially about navel, subsiding after J h., and resulting in a normal evacuation. After 315$ to '^iiss on 5th same symptoms, and after 3ij to ^''ss nothing further than greater scraping in throat and slighter movement in bowels.

b. On lOth S. took 3J in 3J water at 8 a.m. About 9, violent eructations set in, and recurred frequently up to noon ; about 10, rumbling and movement in bowels for about \ h. He had not his usual appetite for dinner. On nth took 3iss, with almost same effect, only this dose disturbed alimentary canal more and longer. On lath, 3ii in ^ij water. Symptoms of digestive tube still more marked; fulness of stomach, so that little could betaken at meals, with frequent eructations and occasional disposition to vomit. After dinner, fulness of abdomen increased, still greater urging to vomit ; indisposition to bodily or mental labour. Towards 4 p.m. disturbances subsided. {Ibid]

ig. Enders took, Jan, 23rd, 1830, 355 in 3J water without cifoct. On 24th he took, at 4 p.m., 3J, whereupon during e. occurred pressivc headache in r. forehead. On 26th, experiment was repeated, with same result , also considerable reddish deposit in urine. After 3iss on 28th headache was much more violent ; urine as before. He was not well till 30th. {Ibid.)

1. Strofer took, Jan. 20th, 1823, 3SS in 3J water. Frequent eructations ; nausea even to vomiting ; pressive headache, especially in forehead, all e., and at n. slight sweat. 23rd. — 3J. Same eructations \ greater nausea ; pressivc neadache, but not specially in forehead, rather over whole crown, N. good. {Ibid.)

2. JoRG himself experimented in 1822 and 1824; he gives the result of the latter proving only. On June 9th, at 8 a.m., he took a 3J to 3X infusion. The peculiar taste of V. changed in j h. to one resembling the odour of violets. Whole body seemed somewhat excited ; pulse for i h, was accelerated by 4 — 5 beats, but was npt fuller or stronger. Natural appetite for dinner. From 3 p.m. much,

n

' betimes foetid, flatulence ; from 4 to 5 burning and cramp-like pains '•^ gastric region ; bread in e. had little taste. On loth, at 10 a.m., *^V a yj to 3'iss inf. Soon after, fulness in stomach without eructa- *'^Hs, changing to canine hunger (prover had not breakfasted yet). In ♦ h. after dose slight cutting in umbilical region for 2 m. In 6 — 8 m. ^fter it feeling of fulness in head, especially under crown, lasting an h., oQfing which time pulse was quickened by 4 — 5 beats. At noon little ippctite ; after the canine hunger had subsided he not only felt stomach and abdomen as if replete, but there was a constant rising of a very peculiar scraping and nauseating irritation in oesophagus, without eructations, lasting till e. Also, p.m., distension ; urine very bilious, but normal in quantity. N. very disturbed, for i h. by cramp-like pain in stomach, throughout by dreams and profuse sweating. Next d. head felt gloomy ; he had not his usual appetite ; urine still more bilious ; stools more frequent than usual, but each scanty and with some tenesmus. On i ath he took a 5iij to '^iv inf., with similar but heightened effects. After ^ h. moderate congestion to head, slight pressure under parietal bones, distension of abdomen. After i h, transient cutting in small intestines; diminished appetite, and return >f the bilious rising of the previous d. P.m., frequent indications of pressive pain here and there on head. Urine was of a darker brown. l/biJ.)

II. Poisonings, — i. A patient who took jvi of the root daily, in the form of decoction, one n. when about to fall asleep suddenly started up, believing that he saw a great light, and that the side of the ward opposite to him was in flames. Other patients imagined that flashes of fire were darting from their eyes. (BaRbier, Mat. Mcd.^ ii, 153.)

1. I have met with some patients whom V. threw into such agita* ticns and hurries of spirits as plainly showed that it is by no means inert. (Heberden, Commentaries^ quoted by Pereira.)

2. Perseverance in its use for too long a period induces a decided tendency to low melancholy and hysterical depression. (Phillips, ep. at.)

3. Within 8 h. a man of nervous temperament took ^] of extract. He became delirious, threatening and vociferating violently. His pulse was frequent, tremulous, and irregular, and the pupils extremely and fixedly dilated. He was blind, recognised no one, imagined himself beset by dangers, and staggered in walking. He had also a constant desire to urinate. After i\ gr. of morphia pupils contracted, sleep ensued, and in 2 h. he was wakened without difHculty, and in a perfectly rational state of mind. (Abell, 5«f, Med. and Surg. Journ.y March, 1856, p. 117. — Stille, from whom this case is taken, thinks that belladonna or stramonium must have been given to the patient by mistake. — Eds.)

III. Experiments on animals. — I. One of the most singular properties of V. is its effect upon cats, which Mathiolus describes in these terms : " Cats are so fond of it that they smell it at a great distance, and purr with delight while they are eating it." Foy paints a still more vivid picture of this singular phenomenon. "In places where V. is stored," he remarks, " cats may be seen rolling themselves u^w

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it, mewing and purring in the most extraordinary manner, and at list expiring in a perfectly voluptuous frenzy." (Stille, op. at.)

1. Grisar experimented on animals with the ordinary volatile oil of V. employed in pharmacy, and mentions that every specimen usei was highly charged with the peculiar odour of valerianic acid. The general result of his experiments with valerian oil was similar to that of the trials with chamomile oil ; reflex excitability was always mmfestly reduced, and the specific reflex excitement of strychniipoisoning was antagonised. (PhillipSj tp. dr.)