Ferrum arsenicosum

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

(Ferri Arsenias)

Pharmacology. — The arsenite of iron may be substituted for the above if necessary, although I do not consider it as assimilable as the arseniate, for the reason that the former is made with arsenic acid, the latter with arsenious acid. I have, therefore, made the arseniate officinal. (Hale.)

It may be prepared as follows: To a solution of the sulphate of iron add a solution of the arseniate of potassa (or soda) as long as a white precipitate falls. Wash the precipitated arseniate of iron on a filter, and dry it.

It is white when first formed, but quickly becomes green on exposure to air; is an amorphous powder, without smell or taste, insoluble in water, but readily soluble in muriatic acid.

Officinal Preparations. — Triturations to the 6th X.

{See Therapeutics, Vol. II.)

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

I do not know if this remedy has been used in our school by any one but myself. I came to use it in this wise : I had a case of chorea in a pale anaemic girl. She had been dosed on the Tine, ferr. mur., Citrate of iron and Quinine, Fowler’s Solution, and other drugs; but I felt that Ferrum was indicated. Arsenic was also indicated, and as a matter of convenience I had prepared the 2* trituration of the Arseniate of iron. This patient, who had been dosed with massive doses of both medicines without good effect, recovered rapidly under the use of minute doses of this compound drug.

We have no provings of this drug, nor do I know that any are necessary. If we take the well-known effects of both as a basis for our indications, we shall succeed very well and avoid alternation. There are very few drugs, if we except the bromide salts, which are changed by a true chemical union. I have used the Arseniate of iron a good deal, and its effects have rarely disappointed me. My selection has been based on the Ferrum bloodimpoverishment, and the well-known effects of Arsenicum on the nervous system.

I have never used it in any gastric or intestinal disease, because I have an idea that the Arsenicum alone, or the Arsenite of copper, is a better remedy for such cases. But if I had to treat cutaneous diseases in which Arsenic was indicated, and the patient was decidedly chlorotic or anaemic, I should prescribe the Arseniate of iron with a great amount of confidence.