Baptisia tinctoria

Volume I — Main text

BAPTISIA.

BapHsia ttntthria^ R* Br. Wild indigo. Nat. Ord., LtguminM^t. Pr&vings. — i. J, S. Douglass, M.D., act. 55, good

health, I dr. of

nervous-sanguine temp. On Feb. 5th, 10 am, and 2 p.m., took tinct without perceptible effect. At bedtime 2 dr. Slept 2 or 3 h,, and then woke from a troublesome dream with difficult breathing, a sort of nightmare ; felt on waking as if room were insufferably hot and close, hindering respiration. Feeling of greatly increased compass and frequency of hearths pulsations, which seemed to fill the chest ; pulse, normally about 70, he judged to be 90 or over, full and soft. There was most uncomfortable burning heat of whole surface, especially of face ; tongue was dry on rubbing against roof of mouth, smarted and felt sore as if burnt* The heat compelled him to move to a cool part of bed, and finally to rise and open a window, and bathe the face and hands. With these symptoms was a peculiar feeling of head, never experienced save during presence of fever — a sort of excitement of brain which is the beginning of delirium, this never failing to occur with him when fever continues and reaches any height. After 1 h, these symptoms abated, and he went to sleep, and slept soundly till late in m. On waking tongue was dry, with same burnt feeling j and there was a little dulness in head. Appetite for breakfast good. At 9. a.m. took I dr. Same feeling of tongue continued slightly through d., with hot and perceptibly flushed face, and slight confusion of brain. Slept soundly that n. On 7th, no symptoms save slight dryness of tongue. Took 2 dr., and shortly after drank coffee with breakfast^ which seemed to neutralise effect. Before bedtime 2 dr. Slept 2 — 3 h., and dreamed of labouring hard in deep snow, suffering with heat from exertion, and ^H finally being smothered in the snow. Awoke with great difficulty ot ^B breathing, lungs felt tight and compressed, could not get a full breath,

■ felt obliged to open window to get face to fresh air ; same burning heat I of surface, dry tongue, increased and cjuickened pulsations ofhean, and I peculiar feeling of brain, as on first n. An h. passed before he could I breathe easily and felt comfortably cool. Slept well remainder of n*, I after having for a short time slight febrile chilly horripilations over

■ lower limbs and back. On 8th, in m., slight dulness, heat of face, and fc dry tongue ; appetite good. Head, face, and tongue continued thus all

d. ; at n. slept profoundly. On 9th, no symptoms save bloated feeling of eyes and sense of having slept too long and hard. At 11.30 a.m., 2 dr. ; very soon slight chilliness in lower limbs and back, brain a little stimulated. At i, feeling dull, especially in occiput, where there was slight pain and fulness, lay down and slept an h. ; waking from a slight sort of nightmare, with moderate tightness of chest and correspondingly difficult breathing, which was soon over. At 3 p.m., 2 dr., soon after dinner ; no effect. At bedtime 2 dr. Again waking (with some difficulty) from nightmare after about 2 h., anxiety continuing for some time after waking. Burning heat and evident feeling of pulsation in feet for i h., after which he went to sleep and slept soundly.* On loth, at 2.30 p.m., 3 dr. Within a few m., heat of face, soon followed by same febrile excitement of brain in a greater degree ; disposition to talk, external vessels of head and face more full ; head felt large and eyes were shining. With these symptoms there was intolerance of pressure on any part ; could not rest back against chair without having pain from pressure, was obliged to change sitting posture every few m. from same cause, even feet became painful from resting on floor. Hands felt large and were tremulous, with peculiar thrilling sensation through both hands and feet, somewhat like " going to sleep ;" saliva rather abundant, somewhat viscid and flat-tasting; "gone^' empty feeling in stomach. These sensations were soon followed by dull pain of sacrum, compounded of soreness as from pressure and fatigue as from long stooping, soon extending round hips and down r. leg. Dined at 3.30 with tolerable appetite, read for I h., and then lay down, but experienced difficulty of breathing, which in about ^ h. became so great that he was obliged to rise, feeling that if he went to sleep he would immediately have nightmare and suflFocation. This dyspnoea was not so much constrictive as paretic^ such as he had only felt during a fever. Walking out in e., legs felt weak and vacillating; after returning, rather painful weariness of back and legs (especially r.), and of r. shoulder and arm ; also constant want to take a full breath. Went to bed feeling utterly exhausted. Next d. rather weak and indisposed to think ; heat of face ; during e. uneasy, restless, could confine himself to nothing, wanted to be moving from place to place, unhappy ; mind seemed weak, rather confused. Felt compelled to retire as early as 9, and slept soundly till 7.30 next m. On 12th felt weak and tremulous, as though recovering from illness and as yet incapable of making any vigorous mental or physical exertion. Felt stronger on walking in open air, which^ however, produced continual and profuse lachrymation.

• " I omitted to mention in its place, that each time after waking from the nightmare the parts on which I lay soon became exceedingly painful, especially the sacral region and hips. After lying for not more than 10 m. upon the back, the sacral region became intolerably painful, as though I had lain on the bam floor all night, and inducing the conviction that a short qontmuance of the position would induct bedsores. When turning on one or other side, the same sensation would be produced on the hips, obliging me at last to tirni on my face to relieve these parts. • • • In regard to the nightmare, it is proper to say that I was formerly considerably subject to it, but for many years have never had it, except when sleeping on my back, or perhaps very rarelv when on my left side. In all the instances recorded I was sleeping in my usual position, on my right side,"

SH

Hag been constipated from beginning of proving until now, when bowels have resumed their usual condition* Symptoms gradually subsided during next 3 d. {N. Jmer, Joum. of Hom,^ vi, aiS,) I

1. Dr, S. R, Beckwith took unknown quantity, and rcpotra asi effects : — Slight nausea, with increased heat ; slight dizziness andi languor J muscular debility; inactive mind; restless feeling, without disposition to move ; burning sensation over whole body, followed by perspiration, vomiting and diarrhoea, stools dark ; debility j loss of appetite ; slow, round, full pulse \ filthy taste with flow of saliva j constriction and oppressbn of chest ; drowsy, stupid, tired feeling ; aching in limbs ; pain in back extending to sacrum. {Ibid.)

2. Dr. P. B. HoYT also gives no information as to doses taken, and reports his symptoms as follows in the order of the schema; — Vertigo j| dull pain in front of head ; sharp pain over r. eye, then over 1. ; duUi pain in both temples, growing more and more intense; dull stupid feeling all over head, with severe pain at occiput ; head feels heavy, as though he could not sit up ; headache day and night, causing sensation of wildness and increased by noise ; cannot confine mind, a sort of wild wandering feeling. Soreness of eyeballs ; eyes feel swollen, with burning and slight lachrymation ; congestion of vessels of eyes, which look red and inflamed. Dulness of hearing. Catarrh, dull pain at root of nose. Face feels flushed and very hot, cheeks burn. Profuse flow of sweetish-bitter saliva, followed by a glutinous substance ; lips stick together ; tongue coated at first white, with reddish papillae here and there, followed by a yellowish- brown coating in centre, edges being red and shining ; tongue feels thick and swollen ; numb pricking sensation of tongue; bad taste in mouth. Throat feels swollen j and full, with oppressed respiration, and sharp pains in chest on taking

a long breath. Slight nausea and want of appetite ; constant desire for water. Constipation; fulness of abdomen ; flatulence; pain in hypo- J gastrium ; soreness of abdominal muscles, as if from cold or coughing \ violently. Urine not very copious; of dark red colour; a sort of burning when urinating. Extremities feel hot, except feet, which are cold ; stiffness of all joints, as if strained. Surface of whole body fecb hot and dry, with occasional chill, principally up and down back, as if ague were coming on ; chill all d*, with fever at n,, and rheumatic pains and soreness all over body ; pulse at first accelerated, afterwards very low and faint. Restless, does not sleep quietly, wants and yet does not want to get up ; dreams about fighting and disputations, but always comes off best. All symptoms increased by taking a glass of beer ; many continued 4 or 5 d. [Ibid,) I

1. W. Rowley, aet. 20 ; dosage also unknown. After 3rd dose headache, first in front, afterwards behind ; feeling of great prostration ; flashes of heat from small of back in all directions ; nausea. On 3rd 1 d, severe headache in front ; low spirits, prostration ; pain in stomach and hypochondrium, passing down to r. iliac region ; drowsiness, ds8* position to have eyes closed ; pulse slow and weak. [Ibid^)

2. L. W. Sapp, set. 21. After 1st dose (quantity unnamed) thirst and flashes of heat over face. General heat after going to bed ; unusually sound sleep; in m, dull stupid feeling after breakfast ; slight

yellow coat on tongue ; dull pain in abdomen on pressure ; sallow appearance of countenance ; bowels costive. Dull heavy aching in lumbar region on going to bed ; dreams at n. ; next m. aching and dull heaviness in head after rising ; tongue coated white and slightly congested ; heat in forehead ; rheumatic pains in r. side ; loss of appetite ; pulse 70, rising about 2 p.m. to 100 ; chill over back while sitting by hot fire in forenoon ; indescribable sick feeling all over ; great languor ; pains in stomach and feeling as if there were a hard substance there. In e, cramp in stomach and chills over back ; great chilliness on going into open air ; soreness in front part of head and on moving eyes. Deep sleep till 3 a.m. ; on waking, flashes of heat and feeling as if perspiration would break out ; soreness in region of liver. In m. swelling of epiglottis (?) ; soreness in brain, worse on stooping, and in muscles of neck ; urine high coloured. {Ibid,)

1. J. E. Smith, act. 32. Took 3 doses (quantity not stated) at bedtime on Feb. 8th, 9th, and nth. On n. of 8th heat and burning of lower extremities, so intense as to prevent sleep most of n. ; when asleep continual dreaming ; bowels loose next m. (very unusual) ; slight dulness in brain all d. N. of 9th sleepless and restless ; brain feels numb, with occasional stitches or shocks in various parts of head. Taking none on 10th felt nearly well on nth. Dreamed all that n., in dreams triumphing over all opposition ; in m. headache in front part of brain, inability to memorise as usual ; stitching pain in cardiac end of stomach ; throbbing in heart, so as to be distinctly heard. Slept well at n. ; on 13th diarrhoea, loud borborygmi ; pains in liver ; soreness in front of thighs, worse after sitting awhile ; darting pain in 1. knee and ankle ; twitching in 1. deltoid^ which has been constant since taking ist dose, and to-day the same in 1. latissimus dorsi ; slight headache, with bruised feeling in forehead \ lachrymation on going into open air ; general tired, bruised, sick feeling in all parts of body, but not very bad. On 14th slight erratic pains in various parts, bowels confined. On ifth, constipation severe, with haemorrhoids, quite troublesome : took dose of nux vom. On i6th bowels regular, haemorrhoids gone. {Ibid.)

2. Dr. Conrad Wesselhoeft, May 17th, 1869, took 3 dr. of 5th dil.at 7 a.m., and seems to have repeated dose daily, though he does not say so. During J h. after 1st dose aching pain of occiput, extending Jrom car to ear, and from nape to vertex. Same occurred on aoth, and from 19th to 21st he felt great drowsiness all d., going to sleep at any time, with great disinclination to mental exertion. On 22nd, taking no medicine, telt much better all d.* (Pub. of Mass, Horn, Soc, iii, 456.)

3. a. Dr. Burt, in good health, took, Oct. 12th, 10 dr. of tinct., at 10 a.m. At noon feeling of tightness across forehead, with pain over r. eye. At 3 p.m., severe pain every few m. at cardiac end of stomach. At 4 p.m., 15 dr. Frontal sensations yet more pronounced, and frequent sharp shootings through bowels. At 8 p.m., 20 dr. Frequent pressive pain over r. eye ; constant pain in region of gallbladder, very severe when walking, j dull pain in epigastrium ; dull

• Dr. Wesselhoeft writes : — " Soon after commencing, I found my physical condition unfitted for a reliable proving ; but 1 herewith furnish what I have obtained." Under these circimistances, we tnink it safest to print his results in small type, as not free from imcertainty. — Eds.

drawing pain in r, groin i legs ache. At bedtime, 25 dr. Slept well

till midnight, not at all since ; dreamed of being chained down across mouth. Frequent epigastric pain, much increased by turning over, to which nevertheless he was constantly impelled ; drawing pains in arms and legs ; slight rumbling in bowels. Next m., tongue coated yellow along centre. At 10 a.m., 30 dr. Dull pressive pain in forehead, and sharp pains in both temples j dull pain in r, hypochondrium and small of back ; drawing pains in legs \ slight rumbling in bowels^ with mushy stool. At 2 p.m., 35 dr., and at 9, 40 dr. All afternoon and c,, constant and severe pain in epigastrium and r, hypochondrium, of drawing character, worst when walking ; pain causes numb feeling to pass all over body. Dull pain in forehead ; drawing pain in calves. Urinated 40 oz., acid. Had a very restless n., with frightful dreams. On 14th, without further dose, continuance of dull pain in abdomen, involving umbilicus ; tongue yellow ; soft stool ; urine 26 02., acid. N. the same ; but at 9 next m. felt quite well. Took 40 dr. at 9 a.m*, and pains returned, extending to spine. At 5 p.m., 50 drs. Skin of forehead much contracted ; severe drawing pains in r. groin and testicle, and in r. foot. Urine 28 oz., acid. At 9 p.m., 60 dr, Slept 1 till 2 a.m., then could sleep no more ; took 40 dr. at 4 a.m. A goodl deal of epigastric pain all n., but felt quite well next m. Injcctedi 10 drops under skin of l. arm over biceps. In 10 m. skin of forehead* felt as if it would be pulled to back part of head, with numb feeling of forehead and face i in 15 m.j feeling as if he would vomit, with some shooting pain in 1. abdomen and loin ; in 30 m.^ sensation as if forehead would be pressed in ; slight abdominal pains as before; frequent gulping! up o/air; slight pressive headache, and dull pain in loins. At 2 pm«^ took TOO dr. Dull heavy pressive headache ; at times sharp pains m temples ; heavy aching m stomach and liver, with very hot sensation there j soft stools. At 9 p.m. took 120 drops. Felt very weak and trembled a good deal. Pains continue^ — that in r. hypochondrium (gall-bladder) so severe on walking as to make this almost impossible ; severe drawing pains in calves. Urine 42 oz., acid. At bedtime took J 106 dr Slept well till 2 a.m., then very restless till m., with fright*' ful dreams. Next m,, dull heavy frontal headache; constant dull umbilical aching, aggravated by deep inspiration ^ dull lumbar aching^ very severe when walking ; tongue yellow along centre j flat taste. At noon, 150 dr. Pains in head and r. hypochondrium as before, quite sharp at times i and after 200 dr, at 3 p.m., frontal tightness as before.

L Fearing that all medicinal properties of drug were not in dnct», he chewed this d. (Oct, 17 th) 30 grs, of green bark of root. Constant burning distress in epigastrium, with severe colicky pains in umbilical and especially in hypogastric region every few seconds, with rumbling] in bowels and desire to vomit, but no nausea j soft stool ; drawing pains in r. hip and both calves. Urine 31 oz., acid. Slept till 3 aum,, after which could do so no more, but had to toss about constantly ^ dull, hard headache, very much worse on moving, with frequent sharp pains in temples ; constant umbilical aching. At 4 a.m., 40 grs. In ni.j tongue yellow j flat bitter taste j tonsils congested ; drawing paitis

in legs ; all forenoon great distress in stomach and bowels, with desire to vomit ; soft mushy stools. At ii a.m. took 55 grs. At i p.m., eyes felt as if pressed into head, with great confusion of sight ; could not fix objects at first look, everything seeming to be moving ; difficult to keep eyelids open. Fauces and tonsils very much congested ; great distress in epigastric and umbilical region, with much rumbling; cramp in calves on every movement ; felt very weak and faint. 8 p.m., have had frequent pains in r. temple ; eyes smart and ache severely ; tonsils same, with frequent desire to swallow, which produces pain in root of tongue ; constant aching distress in abdomen as before, with rumbling, weakness, and faintness ; papescent stool, with much mucus ; legs tremble and ache. Urine 33 oz., acid. A very restless n. Next m. (iQth)^ head, mouth, throat, and abdomen as before; also back and hips are stifF^ and ache severely, with drawing pains in 1. leg. These symptoms continued all d. ; urine of whitish colour, neutral. Slept well. Tongue next m. still yellow ; gums have been very sore for 2 d., they bleed freely on pressure ; throat red ; slight backache. Stool, absent yesterday, was natural to-day. Felt very gloomy for several d.

f. Oct. 28th, feeling well, at 10 a.m. took 4 grs. of baptisin.* Severe pain in region of gall-bladder, lasting i h. ; constant slight umbilical pain ; natural stool. Later in d. took 6 grs. All e., dull frontal headache, with smarting of eyes and drawing pain down nose ; abdominal aching in hypogastrium also, and there at times very sharp. Slept well, and on 29th, feeling quite well, took 10 grs. at jo a.m. Umbilical pain all d. ; in afternoon occasional drawing pains in r. wrist and 1. ankle, and in e. constant dull frontal headache. Took 14 grs. Slept well till i a.m., then woke with severe cutting in hypogastrium and loud rumbling ; after this very restless, with frightful dreams. Next m. tongue and mouth as before ; soft papescent stools. Inguinal glands on r. side ver^ much swollen, and very painful when walking. (Hale, New Remedies^ 2nd ed.)

9» Dr. Hadley took, Jan. 26th, 10 dr. of tinct. In a short time, dryness and roughness of pharynx, extending to nares, as from an astringent, followed after a little by increased secretion from parts, especially from pharynx ; dull pain at pit of stomach, and constriction of diaphragm. On 28th, at 10 a.m., took 15 dr. ; same sensations in fauces, stomach, and diaphragm ; dull pain in sternum ; pain in r. lung, continuing some time, less in 1., but some soreness ; slight pain in r. frontal sinus ; increased flow of saliva in e. On 30th, at 10 a.m., 20 dr. In a short time increased secretion of saliva, followed by slight pain in r. lung and r. frontal sinus. On Feb. 4th, 25 dr. Dryness of fauces followed by increased secretion as before, and lung pain. In afternoon, dull pain in anterior lobes of brain, and in r. frontal sinus ; sensation of weight and oppression in praecordial region, with feeling of unsatisfied breathing. At 6 p.m. oppressed breathing, cough, soreness of r. lung, and sneezing ; increased secretion from bronchial tubes and

• A " concentrated preparation/' made by extracting all active elements of plants, and recombining them in their proportions. — Eds.

5i8

fauces, with mucous expectoration. (AT. K State Ham, Soc, 7Vtf«i.» Hi, 325.)

1. Miss Hadley, aet. »o, took 15 dr., which produced severe pain in frontal . sinuses, followed by sneezing. In afternoon, tightnes-* of chest, fulness of thrott, 1 difficulty of breathing, and quite troublesome disposition to cough ; pain In ^f%\o\c 1 anterior part of head ; proitration and perspiration on lea^t exertion. In e. r

freer and cough gone; lungs feel easier and stronger than usual. rXhe tastob 1

and the statement that " she was cured by this proving of a troublesotme cougii of iotig standing/' lead us to put this experiment in small t^'pe. — Eds.] ilbid.)

II. Drs. Bailey and Palmer reported that they had taken tincture in doses ranging from a few drops to 600, without any decided effect. (/W^., p, 316O

1. One of the earliest results noticed in givine this drug* wasa mo^t copious fiowd saliva, followed by sore-throat, with scraping and burning ; a raw sensation in pharmx followed^ with a large amount of viscid mucus^ and, much to my surprwc, well-developed ulcers in the mouth \ constrictive feeling in throat, causing frequent effort* it deglutition* pricking sensation in upper pharynx; dulness in head; vertigo and sensation of weakness in entire system, especially in lower limbs, with weak knee%; confused feeling in head ; surface of body chilly ; hoarseness to such an extent a» to J require the utmost efford to be understood ; tickling in throat, constantly provoking 1 cough ; thick raucous discharge from nose ; swimming sensation like that cxperiencea I before operation of an emetic ; frequent eructations; nausea ; distension of abdoinni \ 1 feeling as though it would be a relief to vomit ; rumbling in intestine* 5 tongue fecb ' as though it had been scraped, and same sensation extends through fauces, (W, L, Thompson, M.D., N. Am. Journ. of Horn. ^ v, 5+7,)

2. a, A. E, Wallace, M.D. — Sept, 17th, 1870, at 2 p.m., took 10 dr. of i^ dil. 3.^ — Severe frontal headache with pressure at root of nose. Pain in L shoulder, extending down arm. Stiffness and lame* ness of cervical muscles. Head feels very heavy, with pain in occipuL 1 Painful weariness of whole L side of body. Soreness of scalp. Sore" throat extending to posterior nares. Numbness of 1. hand and forearm, with prickling. Duration of symptoms about 2 h.

b. Nov. r3th, 4 p.m., in perfect health, took 20 dr. in 3J of water of same preparation, 4.20. — Frontal headache, with feeling of fulness and J tightness of whole head. Neck stiff and lame. Severe pressure at root 1 of nose. Head feels large and heavy. Heavy pain at base of brain. Pain in 1. shoulder and arm ; numb prickling of hand and arm^ worse by movement j sharp darting pain through fingers. Tightness of chest, and desire to take deep inspiration. Throat sore and feels contracted \ soreness extends to posterior nares. Sneezing, and feeling as though he had taken a severe cold. Eyeballs feel sore and lame on moving them. Lameness of muscles of back and chest, particularly when moving head. Pain in hips and legs, with numbness. Pain in neck, unbearable cm moving head. L. foot numb and prickles. Feels weary, and is obliged to lie down. 6.30, feels as well a5 usual, no symptoms remaining.

i\ Dec. 5th, 3 p.m,, fasting, took 30 dr. of same. 3.20. — Frontal headache, with pressure at root of nose. Head full and feels heavy. Pain m base of brain, and lameness and drawing pain in cervical muscles. Drawing pain of shoulders and. arms, more in 1, Oppression of chest and difficult breathing. Pain through 1. chest. Wandering pains in alt limbs, with dizziness. Feeling as though he had takeiy cold i throat sore, and sneezed several times. Feels stiff and sore aD| • Maimer not stated.— £i>&« I

over; dreads to move. Burning on top of head, and soreness of scalp. Prickling of hands and feet, with numbness, worse on motion. Paralysis of whole 1. side ; 1. hand and arm entirely numb and powerless, foot and leg prickly, and can niove but little. Burning and prickling of 1. side of face and head. Pressure at stomach and belching of large quantities of flatus. 6, symptoms passing away ; feels drowsy and must sleep. 8, feels well. 9th, feels sore and stiff about shoulders and chest. The jar of his buggy is painful, otherwise he feels well ; has noticed no other symptoms.

Five or six weeks afterwards livid spots appeared all over body and limbs, size of pea to three-cent piece. No sensations. Never had the like before. Thickest on body ; no elevation ; irrrcgular in shape. {Afed. Investigator^ 1873, P* ^^SO

III. Experiments on animals. — i. In a cat poisoned with baptisia Dr. Burt found small and large intestines congested and filled with bloody mucus. (Hale, op, cit.y p. 143.)

1. In dogs. Dr. Rutherford found baptisin an undoubted, but moderate, hepatic stimulant ; it increases also the peristaltic movements and the secretions from the intestine. {Brit. Med. Journ.^ '^^ll^ >•)

Volume II — Appendix

Baptisia.- P. 512, 1. 25 from bottom, for "dry on rubbing " read " dry, and on rubbing it." P. 513, 1. 8 from bottom, for " barn " read "bare."

Volume IV — Appendix

BAPTISIA.

(See vol. i, p. si*-)

1. 1. Dr. StTTHER LAND, after taking, Nov. l8th — 22nd, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, and 20 dr. of tinct. without effect (a frontal headache experienced on 22nd he ascribed to working in a warm room with vitiated air), on 24th, at 4.30 p.m., took 30 dr. Tendency to pressure in frontal and temporal regions, especially during and for a short time after moving about, was noticed during e. Dec. 1st, at 11 a.m. took 40 dr. Same sort of fulness in the head 3 h. after dose ; it went away before 4.20 p.m., when betook 13 dr. more, but nothing followed. After waiting awhile to see if remote symptoms would appear (which they did not), on Jan. i6th,at 4.15 p.m., he took 150 dr. It left after swallowing a hot disagreeable sensation in fauces and throat, causing secretion of thick saliva with desire to swallow. At 8 p.m. took 100 dr. mor? in a little water. Felt a little sensitive to cold air, but this was not long lasting or very uncomfortable. 1 7th. — Was conscious of discomfort in 1. frontal region on first awakening, but it had gone off ^ h. later when he got up. i8th. — An abundant unformed but fascal motion at g a.m., with some tenesmus. During d. felt some lameness and soreness in r. lumbar muscles, especially when bending forward. About 3 p.m. an extremely small motion, consisting of about a teaspoonful of tenacious blood-streaked mucus. 26th. — At 1 1 a.m. took 350 dr. in a little water. For a short time after swallowing it throat in region of larynx was irritated, roughened as if scraped ; at 8 p.m. pulse 92, temp. 99*5° (these are the maxima noted in health). 27th. — On rising from stooping, decided but transient vertigo. No further change. Feb. 6th. — At i p.m. took 400 dr. Felt slightly giddy for ^ h. (f alcohol). No further symptoms noticed ; and pulse did not rise above 84 that e., or temp, above 99'25°. {N. Engl. Mti. Gaz.j xxiv, 566.)

-i

1. G. H. I. took 12 doses of 3 — 25 dr. on as many days. After 20 and 25 dr. he had slight frontal headache, worse in a warm room, relieved by food, cold air, and motion. No other effects. {Ibid.)

2. Miss A. G. C — took 5 doses of 5 — 12 dr. Her symptoms were slight rheumatic pains in extremities ; slight frontal headache several times on waking, passing off after getting up } dryness and soreness of fauces, lasting greater part of time of proving. Maximum temp, was 99.2, pulse 96 (average being 84). (liiJ.)

3. S. H. S., after 3 and 5 dr. doses without result, took on Feb. 4th, 8 dr. He had flushed face ; pulse, 69, temp. 98!^°. 6th. — Took 28 dr. at 3 p.m. In course of next h. cheeks felt hot, and he had feeling of pressure in epigastric region. Pulse was 72, temp. gS^°. {Ibid.)

4. Mr. H. S — . In this case the medicine behaved in a most eccentric manner, doses of 3 dr. sending temp, up to 100° } 8 dr. doing the same one d. and not again ; and so on up to 1 8 or 20 dr. He tried to obtain a reproving, but could not. {Ibid.)

19.'*' Mrs. Bedell, medical student, on Dec. 13th, 1878, on rising in m. took 5 dr. of tinct., and after 10 m. 15 dr. more. Following this was a fzint dull pain at base of brain, which gradually increased. Ten m. later took 20 dr. ; pain in occiput extending down neck very marked. In 5 m. took 60 dr. more ; pain increased, and pulse rose from 72 to 90, and was strong and hard. Rigors and short flashes of hear rapidly alternated. Breakfasted at 8 ; during which she felt repeated chilly sensations down spine, although room was warm. ** In ^ h. after breakfast I took a teaspoonful, and went to college. Pain in back of head and neck constant. Pulse down to 80, and very feeble and wavering, although face was flushed a purplish red (altogether unnatural and commented upon by several students), and there was intense heat throughout entire body, except feet, which, though not cold, did not burn as my hands did. The most marked symptom now was the headache, which was unlike any I ever had (and headaches are of rare occurrence with me). The pain in forehead was circumscribed to the frontal eminences, so that I felt as though I had two distinct headaches and the head felt in three sections, as though r. and 1. lobe and cerebellum lopped away from each other (not ' scattered about ' as the books say of Baptisia). Mental symptoms were sluggish stupor, dulness ; took notes automatically, yet took good notes, although I felt a decidedly ' besotted ' sensation as if under alcoholic stimulant, after its proper stimulating effect had ceased. At dinner, persons at table remarked my purplish flushed face, also injected conjunctiva and pupils greatly enlarged. In afternoon I took I teaspoonfui three times ; ^ h. between the first two doses, an h. between and and 3rd. Previous to this the frontal headache had ceased, although the pain at base of brain continued all the time. After this, however, the frontal headache returned with increased severity, and with the same duplex sensation more marked.

• The following five provings were made by students of the Boston University Medical School, at the suggestion and under the supervision of Dr. CoToraii Wesselhoeit, to whom we are indebted for their MS. lecotd.^EiD^.

The headache now extended to roots of nose. The congestion and purple appearance of face increased and was attended by nose bleed. A peculiar constricted sensation in the throat with heat (but no pain caused me to request my attending physicians to examine my throat; they reported a highly congested appearance of the mucous mein. brane of the fauces, of a purplish colour which streaked up into roof of mouth ; somewhat more marked on 1. side than on the right. A J h. before tea I added another teaspoonful of the remedy. ThiJ did not increase the severity of the frontal headache, which hid again subsided into an endurable state ; but was now followed by a marked degree of vertigo, sinking at stomach, uncertain staggering gait and feeling of great prostration. My mind, however, seemed unusually clear, so that in e. at our usual 'quiz,* I felt remark ably bright (this, however, is only comparative brightness, as had grown very sleepy and dull every n. over our books). Now mind on the contrary, was clear and receptive, and I not only was not sleepy at bedtime, but was unable to sleep at all until 2 o'clock, and then sleep was Full of unpleasant and frightful dreams, amounting almost! nightmare. Before bedtime, however, a most distressing nausea occurred, which resulted in violent retching, followed only by eructations of wind, and expectoration only of frothy viscid sputa, slightly streaked with blood (probably due to the severe retching). The headache returned, and this with the burning heat added to abnormal condition of wakefulness accounts for not sleeping. A symptom, however, which I desire especially to emphasize is the staggering uncertain gait, with great weakness and prostration. The m. followi^ 1 found the colour of the menstrual flow changed to a chocolate bro* and it was extremely fetid (I am never subject to any abnormal sent tions or conditions during menstruation). A diarrhoea supervened^ stools extremely offensive and very dark. Much pain and flatulence, and general tenderness of abdomen, especially with stitches in r, hypochondrium and tenderness in r. iliac region. Through the d. the colour of the menstrual discharge was restored, and diarrhoea ceased. At n., however, the diarrhoea was renewed, much worse than in the m., several stools following rapidly and attended with great pain ai from hasmorrhoids, and burning in the rectum. Diarrhoea continued also on 2nd m. On d. previous, however, although I had ceased taking the medicine I felt generally sick, unable to study, and with an actual longing to lie or sit down all the time. A boarding-house bed was transformed into a positive luxury. The open air relieved the headache and the sinking at stomach. I have omitted to mention that unusual and offensive exhalations from the body were remarked several times during the proving. The diarrhoea still continued up to the present writing (e. of i6th), not profuse, but quite frequent and with a continuation of sensation of hemorrhoids, and extreme fetor. Nothing h more unusual to me than such a tendency, and nothing in the diet could have occasioned the condition," {Communicated.)

1. Mrs. F. H. Stanford, Dec. 5th, took at 9.38 p.m. 5 d. tinct. 10,10, burning beating pain in base of occiput, worse on pre sure. 1 1, pain in occiput gone. Great rolling of wind, as of muct

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nlieved by eructations ; great urging to stool, which is wind and faeces,

the last coming away in small pieces. 6th. — 8 a.m., tongue coated

whitish brown, pink edges, red tip which feels burning, sides of tongue

show mark of teeth ; great urging to stool, with small stool in small

pieces, smelling badly, i p.m., took lo dr. 3, painful light feeling in

upper part of r. side of head, passing off in a few m. with rumbling pain

w f. side of abdomen, with urging to stool, which smells badly, first

wind, then a small difficult stool in lumps, with intermittent flow of

urine, which was burning. (The apparent trembling of nerves with

which I was troubled is relieved.) 4.30, severe cutting pain in region

of ilco-caccal valve, relieved for the time by eructations, but it returns.

J, took 10 dr. 5.15, flying pains in r. upper molar teeth— had them

during afternoon, 545, gradually increased tickling in r. side of

fhroat, causing coughing ; cheeks feel hot. 6.20, tongue same as this

' , 'n., but showing imprints of teeth more plainly; lips feel dry and hot j

I thirsty, but the cold water gives disagreeable feelings in abdomen ; tickling in throat, which passed off to sore feeling, which is now gone. 7> continuous creeping chills, especially in lower limbs, which feel •^cold in a warm room ; urging to stool, which increases on standing, 'tool first flatus, then loose faeces, small in size and small lumps, which «»iell badly ; tenesmus and burning and pricking in rectum ; urine hot. ' ' , took 10 dr., which caused burning in throat. Did not sleep well, 5'X»kc frequently, troublesome dreams. 7th. — 7.15 a.m., took 10 dr. T^ongue as yesterday, with a strawberry look at base. Doubling-up Fa.in in abdomen. 0.15, rumbling and great desire for stool (natural evacuation having occurred at 7.20). 1,45 and 4.30 p.m., repeated '*<*sc, 8th. — 7 a.m., repeated dose. This m. cheeks feel hot, tongue ^^•Bie as yesterday ; frequent pains in abdomen passing up to stomach ; pulse 92. 10.30 a.m. and 2.35 p.m., repeated dose, 9th. — 8,15, took same. Sleep had been full ol dreams. Nasty little pains in upper parts of abdomen with a lumpy difficult stool ; cheeks feel hot; tongue same as usual ; pulse 96 ; lips parched. Feel thirsty, but do not care ^<^ drink ; hands hot and dry, sometimes perspiration on palms ; legs fcel weak on walking upstairs. 11. 20 and 1.30, repeated dose. Great **"^'re for stool, but could not pass anything. 7,45, pulse 84, full ; '^neeks hot ; hands hot. Took 10 dr. In a few m. soreness in back P^t of fauces. Slight return of pains in upper abdomen. 8, cructa- *OTjs tasting of the medicine, with passing of flatus per anum. The j^**age of flatus relieves the pain. Pressure on abdomen is not painful, ■ *** is not comfortable. Ate dinner at 2 p.m. ; have now no wish toeat, ^ccd cannot ; mouth sometimes sticky, sometimes flow of saliva ; inj^'^5ed action of heart ; pulse 88, more thready. 1 1.30, throat sore j ^|*Jsc 72, feeble ; can hardly count it. Took same. loth. — Sleep full ct reams ; could not feel pulse ; woke early, and could not sleep again ; ^'^ing tiredness between shoulder blades. Mouth clammy, tonj^uc

^j.*"<;hed. II, throat tclt sore. 1^ ^Kt pains in abdomen to-day. ^1 ^ ineffectual efforts for stool. ^^^^^ the tired weary feeling.

3.30, pulse 80, full, nth, — Felt

One small stool this m. ; later, desire'

The wakeful feeling passing away,

i3th,'^Has been feeling more and

'^t-e low-spirited since the last date ; bowels sluggish, with frequent

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intermittent pinching pains in abdomen ; urine frequent, passing iiti at a time ; pulse 76 ; lips parched j cheeks hot. A fellow-student u 10 p.m. found pulse 60, very intermittent ; she said tongue was streaked red down centre, with yellowish-brown on each side, red edges, showing marks of teeth i feels very low. 14th, — Woke with feverishncM; cheeks hot ; lips dry ; tongue as yesterday ; hands sometimes hot and dry, then hot and moist. Desire for stool as soon as up, with a rctuiu of the small pinching pains after stool, which is the same as at first. Heart's action quicker, can be felt all over chest ; pulse 80. 15th.— Feverishness less this m. than yesterday. Heart's action seems much more audible and tumultuous, and throbbing of carotids uncomfortable when lying down on either side ; this was felt every m. since taking medicine. The strawberry appearance of tongue seems to gradually approach the middle. 16th. — Action of heart on waking same u yesterday. Drank a cup of coffee this m. No return of pain in bowels. (Mrs. S. adds: — "Twice I had pressive feelings in both hips neif sacral region, followed by watery leucorrhcea ; whether that had u)> thing to do with the medicine I cannot tell.") {Ibid,)

1. Miss E. H. Lane, xt. 29, general health excellent. Dec. istb took (a.m.) four 10 dr. doses, with i h, intervening between thein. Felt soon after taking first dose needle-like pain in region of bladder, which continued during d. Eyes felt injected, were painful, and it hurt to close them, as if they were inflamed. Face was very much flushed. Felt dull, and ideas were confused ; when talking could not think quickly of the right word to use. Did not feel any more marked symptoms till next e., when she felt a sinking at pit of stomach, and a peculiar dizziness after closing eyes, as if she were revolving about herself. Next m., upon rising, was extremely dizzy; could not possibly walk straight ; was nauseated and obliged to lie down again. In course of an h. rose again, but was dizzier and sicker than before i but after vomiting about a gill of bright yellow, »very bitter-tasting bile, felt better j drank a cup of coffee, and went out of doors, whieh made her feel much better. Through d. had piercing, somewhat prolonged pains in the 1. side of head; and in m., whik vomiting, and a while after, had colicky pains in hypogastric r^ion. {Ibid.)

22, 23. Two male students took small and large doses (up to 5^) of tinct., consuming ^j >n 2 d. and 3>J >" 4 d. respectively, without the »lightest effect, \lbid.)