Niccolum sulphuricum

Volume I — Special Symptomatology

{Niccoli Sulphas.)

Pn arm aco logy. — Formed by dissolving Carbonate of Nickel in dilute Sulphuric acid, concentrating the solution and setting it aside to crystal ize.

It is in the form of emerald-green crystals, efflorescent in the air, solu. ble in three parts water, insoluble in alcohol or ether ; has a sweet, astringent taste.

Officinal Preparations. — Triturations; aqueous solutions. Analogues. — Arsenicum, Atropine, China, Quinine, Gelseminum, Kali brom., Zincum.

(No Provings.)

° Violent periodical headaches. (J. Y. Simpson.)

[This eminent physician found it useful in periodical headaches of various kinds, after Arsenic and Quinine had failed to prevent their recurrence.]

° Periodical headache of many years standing. [Hale.)

[In two cases where I gave it for this affection it omitted the paroxysms, which did not return for nearly a year. The remedy omitted them again. It was prescribed in the 2d x trit. A grain three times a day.]

° Neuralgia.

[" Mrs. B. had suffered with Neuralgia for more than three years. During the last two months the paroxysms had been very violent and frequent, occurring every few minutes. She had taken Iron, Quinine, Strychnine, Colchicum, Aconite, Morphine, Chloroform, Valerian, Zinc, Mercury and Electricity, with only temporary relief. I began by giving half grain doses three times a day. In less than a week the paroxysms were reduced to only one within twenty-four hours; then the paroxysms appeared later every day, and finally disappeared. It seems to act like Bromide of Potassium. It reduced the pulse and produced sleep. It soothed pain quicker than Morphine (in this case)." — Dr. , Richmond Medical News.]

° Periodical headaches, every two weeks, lasting three or four

days. (Dr. A. E. Small.)

[In this case the pain seemed to be most acute at the root of the ncse, extending to the vertex and through the temples. She had some nausea, but no vomiting. She was unable to raise her head from the pillow when the attack was on her. The distress was so great that she lay and groaned in anguish. Cuprum, Ignatia, Sepia, Calcarea and Sulphur did not relieve. Two-grain doses of the 3d x trit. every day suspended the paroxysms four months — a respite she had not enjoyed for ten years. — U. S. Medical and Surgical Journal, Oct., 1871.]

[The pathogenesis of Carbonate of Nickel — from Hartlaub & Trink's Annual — see Symptomen Codex — is quite suggestive in this connection, and contains some notable headache symptoms; but it seems to be a neglected remedy, as are some other apparently well proven medicines. — Sale.]

Volume II — Special Therapeutics

This preparation of Nickel was first used by Dr. J. Y. Simpson in periodical headaches of a peculiarly severe character.

You will find in Vol. I several cases recorded illustrating its curative power.

Nickel very much resembles Arsenic in all its qualities, toxic and therapeutic. It also appears to have qualities analogous to Zincum, Quinia, and the Bromides.

It has gained some popularity in the treatment of neuralgia. You will doubtless find it valuable in some of those obstinate periodical neuralgias, even when due to malarial poisoning, which have resisted the ordinary remedies.

I have generally got the best effects from the 2* triturations. Allopathists make good cures with one-half grain doses, three times a day. The 2X trituration can be given every hour or two during the paroxysms, and three times a day during the intermissions.

Like all antiperiodics its curative value is best tested by giving it between the attacks.