Calcarea phosphorica

Volume I — Main text

Calcarea phosphorica, Tricalcic phosphate, Ca32P04.

I. Provings. — I. Herikg, — <?. From 2nd trit. — Easily excited; headache, — like a confusion all over inner sides of skull (x/V), — in m. on waking, a heavy painful confusion, as if close to bone, from within and without, worse on vertex, disappearing on mental, returning on (or aggravated by) bodily exertion, relieved by washing with cold water, — like a fulness, a painful pressure of brain against skull, most severe on top, first recurring at short regular intervals, then continuous, aggravated on any movement, especially on rising from sitting or recumbency (when it is accompanied with vertigo), better while lying still, — ^with hot head and face, together with ill-humour and indolence^ — in m., with sore-throat, — not aggravated by taking wine, but severe on

going afterwards into open air, relieved while scratching head, — better at first from going out ; sensation as if something were in eye, felt always anew if even after several d. it is only mentioned ; violent painful biting in 1. eyelid, towards external canthus, compelling violent rubbing, which causes pain, but does not relieve ; frequent violent sneezing, with rimning from nose and flow of saliva, thin bright streaks of blood on mucus ; sometimes sensation as if something had got into nose, which could not be got out ; kind of contraction in throat, as after much weeping or after running ; sore-throat in m. on waking, worse r. side, low down in back of fauces, worse when swallowing, disappears during breakfast, warm drink causing no pain ; nausea after coffee, incipient heartburn and exceedingly unpleasant sensation, with confusion and pain of head and great ill-humour \ difficult passage of flatus, followed by slight relief; very dark urine in afternoon, quite unusual ; cutting-drawing pains in glans penis, extending towards tip, only while sitting, not very severe, but sensation exceedingly unpleasant i creaking on 1. side of sternum, like cracking in joints ; tensive pain below r. shoulder-blade, extending forward ; pain and numbne^of 1. arm in afternoon (drug taken in m.); no sleep till 2 or 3 a.m. ; dreams of dangers, without fear,— of fire, without many flames ; especially chilly when going into open air, but warm room is oppressive.

h. From crude salt. — Headache in afternoon, with diminished appetite and dread of labour, some pressure on both sides towards back, relieved for awhile during supper, but continuing somewhat during e., relieved 3 or 4 times by sudden sneezing, which leaves sense of soreness in nostrils, some remaining next m., but with general well-feeling, unusual appetite, and more readiness for work ; itching on scalp, provoking scratching, for several e. ; severe burning pain excited thereby on small spot above r. ear, with great sensitiveness to slightest touch, disappearing suddenly ; itching in eyes ; itching and soreness within r. angle of nose near tip ; sensation as if something were sticking into lower incisors, it feels like a small painful swelling of the gum ; saliva copious and acid ; appetite better than for a long time previously ; diarrhoea after cider, — in which were many small white points, or flakes, like pus, scarcely perceptible (3rd d.) ; stool in e. (unusual), scanty, with very much flatulence ; genito- urinary organs seem generally aflPected after passage of stool and urine ; frequently obliged to take a deep, sighing breath ; sound sleep at first, but early waking ; many dreams, quite unusual, with thoughts about many events ; frequent creeping shiverings, with motion of scrotum (not like that after urinating).

r. Without indication of dosage, — pain beneath hollow of knee every time it is strongly bent (as, for example, in drawing on boots, when it hurts greatly), making use of whole limbs uncertain, as in walking and jumping. (Allentown Provings, 1837: from Allen.)

1. %UT£ proved 4th on several persons.

a. Great weakness and weariness soon after taking it ; sharp pains in stomach and knees, with headache, lasting whole d. Next m. pain in r. great toe, worse when walking, lasting all d. After a few d. repeated dose, which renewed pain in stomach and headache, with

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diarrhcea; pain in stomach continued next d., was very severe at times, with watery and burning stools; diarrhcea continued 3rd d», with violent pain in stomach on every attempt to eat anything ; much better 4th d.j well on sth.

h. Woman, soon after taking it, felt weak and prostrated^ with flushes of heat in head ^ 3 h, later severe pain in n knee, so that she could scarcely walk ; she felt as though she had received blow on inner side of knee ; with pain, sensation of soreness, both lasting 2 d. A 2nd dose taken some d. afterwards had same effect, aggravated by bending knee.

r. Daughter of above, aet. 12, had same symptoms from same dose, only more severe ; weakness, severe headache, pain and sense of soreness in 1. thigh, which after a time extended into knee, and lasted there 24 h* ; after disappearance of pain knee still sensitive to touch, as i^ beaten.

d. Son, aet, 10, was also affected by violent pain in 1. knee, extending to sole of foot.

If. An infant she was nursing, and which had just begun to stand, would not stand any longer.

y*. While nursing Sth child during 6th month, 4 dr. in water caused labour pains going down thighs, with involuntary stool, and some blood from vagina (in a strong, healthy woman, who never had catamenia while nursing before).

g. Following symptoms are given without note of subject : — Vqtj offensive diarrhoea ; diarrhcea and pain in ball of thumb ; pain in region of kidneys, when lifting, digging, blowing nose, frequently so violent as to cause crying out ; urine dark -coloured, hot, smelling like strong tea j severe pain above sacrumj and in hips, soon after taking it j loss of power of whole L arm, for i h. ; very sensitive pain from L elbow -joint to shoulder \ all fingers feel paralysed ; pain in fingers of r. hand when writing in c. j ulcerative pain in roots of fingernails of r. hand, especially of middle finger; sharp pains in both knees when walking in afternoon of 2nd d. ; pain in r, calf, so violent that he could scarcely raise leg (m. of 3rd d.) ; very unpleasant formication over whole abdomen, for 1 4 h, (5 h. after 8 dr.) ; she feels very uncomfortable ; distended veins {Ibid^)

1. Green* — Much flatulence and borborygmus, with some pain, after 2 doses of 1st; same, but much more severe, after a 3rd dose, together with confusion of head, which soon increased to a dull pain, which was always more sensitive on stooping ; this continued more or less severe during whole d., till a thin evacuation followed, preceded by sensitive pain ; quite well next d. From 2nd had mcteorism and pain in abdomen, followed bv stool and immediate relief of symptoms, {Ibid,)

2. Humphry. — Proved 2nd ; symptoms occurred after 2nd dose, and gradually diminished till 4th d., when they disappeared. They were — complete loss of memory, so that he forgets what he has just done, or what he should do next i towards noon of 1st d. nausea lasting 2 h,, with vertigo and headache, worse when stooping, also flatulence in abdomen, head and thoughts confused ; pains m various parts of body, frequently shooting along muscles into joints^ — small of back, knees, and thumbs are specially affected. On 3rd and 4th d*, severe

pain in abdomen, with flatulence and unusually frequent stools, at first natural, afterwards soft ; also frequent copious passage of urine, with weakness and weariness. (IbiJ.)

1. S. M. Cate, M.D. — Proved drug prepared as follows : Five parts of calcined ox bones, finely powdered, were well mixed with 6 parts of oxalic aad and 20 to 30 of distilled water. After standing 24 h. whole mixture was filtered for purpose of separating precipitated oxalate of lime. The solution of phosphoric acid after standing till an extraneous particles had subsided was decantea, and bicarbonate of soda added in small Quantities till acid reaction ceased. This solution of phosphate of soda was evaporated on a sand bath till it crystallised. The crystals were then collected and dried on a filter. To boiling acetic acid pulverised oyster shells were added as lon^ as the acid would act on them, and the clear solution evaporated and crystallised. One and a half parts of the phosphate of soda, and one part of the acetate of lime, were each separately dissolved in convenient quantities of water, and the two solutions mixed. The precipitated phosphate of lime was collected on a filter, thoroughly washed and dried on bibulous paper.

Prover was of a nervous bilious temperament. Health generally good, though somewhat inclined to diarrhcea, especially when overloading stomach. Tongue, from early recollection, has been coated on the middle and dorsum, and scalp covered with dandruff. Oct. 7th, 1854. — Weather warm and clear. Took 4 gr. ist. trit. at 12 m. 8th. — ^Took 5 gr. at 8 a.m. At 9 felt sharp pain under 1. scapula, towards spine, continuing 10 m., followed by dull pain in 1. shoulderjoint. At 12 m., took 5 gr. Weather wet and rainy. In ij h. dull pain in legs from knees to feet, continuing for J h. 4 p.m., feeling of great hunger, very unusual. Dull pain in head all d., increased towards n., and from 4 to 6 p.m. nausea. From 5.30 to 6 sharp pain at pit of stomach ; nausea and pain in head increased therewith. Bread had bitter taste. Pain in stomach and head relieved by food. Weariness of legs^ especially below knees, as if from severe labour. From 8 to 8.30, severe pain m front of r. ankle, followed by soreness about sheaths of tendons, — most on extending and flexing foot. At 6 p.m., smart itching vesicle on 1. wrist ; itching of 1. cheek, nose, and chin. At 9, sharp pain in abdomen, around navel, with slight feeling of soreness. Aching in r. arm, in 1. temple and shoulder-joint. lasting a short time. 9th. — Pain in r. wrist, with lameness as if bruised, at 7 a.m., lasting i h. Escape of considerable flatus, during whole forenoon. Increased appetite. loth. — Took 5 gr. at 9 p.m. nth, at 6 a.m., took 5 gr. more. From 12 m. to 9 p.m., frequent and profuse discharge of clear urine. 9 a.m., violent itching of 1. wrist, with burning after scratching. The latter part of the n., and in m., dull pain as if from a bruise each side of dorsal spine. 12th. — Took 5 gr. at 6 a.m. Fluent coryza during forenoon, with dull pain in head from II to 12. 13th, 6 a.m., 6 gr., and 10 gr. at 9. Abundant emission of flatus. Appetite diminished in m., but good at noon. 3 p.m., severe pain in region of transverse colon, for i h. Dry hacking cough of a few m. duration. 5 p.m., dull pain in small spot in r. chest, near mammary gland, lasting i h. In m. after rising, a thin, copious fiaecal discharge. An empty, sinking sensation at epigastrium, 7 p.m. 14th. — Diarrhcea early on rising. At 6 a.m., 8 gr. Emission of fcetid flatus during d. ; tremulous motion of hands. 10 p.m., 10 gr. Pain on each side of lumbar and dorsal spine, as from a bruise, when

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awakening on following m. Disappeared after exercise. 15th, 6 atn and 6 p.m., 8 gr. After movement of bowels, pain in rectum^ extending up 5 or 6 in*, lasting some 10 m. A sharp pain at about 6th rib of r, chest, a little to r, of mamma, worse on inspiration^ lasting 10 m, 5 p.m., a like pain at a corresponding point of 1. chest, Considerable soreness of r. chest when pressed upon ; some, but less, in 1. chest. Dull pain in 1. arm between elbow and wrist. Yesterday, soreness of throat ; to-day, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx red and swollen, with pain increased by swallowing. Pain in middle of abdomen during and after eating, lasting ^ h* ; this pain abated after copious emission of foetid flatus. ^ h. after, dull pain in epigastrium. At 6 p»m., sharp pain in tendons of inner hamstrings, when walking, lasting 20 m. For the last 2 d, obtuseness of intellect ; difRculty of performing any ordinary intellectual operations j when composing would write throat for tonsils, red for swollen, &c,, not clearly distinguishing the things under consideration. Dull pain in head at times through d« Urine has continued profuse, frequent, and watery, since nth ; but no unusual thirst. i6th, 6 a.m, took 6 gr. Soreness of muscles of back continues on getting up in m, M, cool and rainy. After dressing, seized with chills, and shivering, lasting ^ h., till after a brisk walk of half a mile; with chill, hacking cough and fluent coryza. After chill, dull pain in head ; sharp pain in 1. chest, about 7th rib, and to I. of mamma, followed by dull pain, felt more when inspiring deeply, — and this still continues (8 p.m.). Sharp pain for short time in region of spleen (8 p.m.). Diminution of sexual desire since commencement of proving. I'he pains above described in chest were felt very often through d. At 11,30 a,m., pain in r. arm from elbow to hand, with lameness of wrist, all lasting till 9 p.m. From 8 to 9 p.m., burning at stomach, and rising of water into mouth (water-brash). 9 p.m., took 8 gr. 17th. — Last n. dreams of travelling, of robbers ; of an army of cats. Inflammation of throat continues ; yesterday, moderate pain most of the time when swallowing ; this m. pain more marked, and inflammation gradually increases. Sharp pain in region of heart, when making an inspiration (especially a deep one) j dull pain in head. Involuntary sighing, at times^ for last 3 d. 6 pm,, took 6 gr. Itching of edge of r. eyelid for a short time. Pain in region of heart, violent at times. Sharp pain in region of lumbar vertebrae and top of sacrum, lasting a short time, followed by soreness. Sharp pain between 4th and 5th L ribs, a little to 1. of heart, occurring frequently during forenoon ; so sharp and severe as to cut off the breath at times. The sharp pain would last 10 or 15 m., leaving a soreness for a longer or shorter time, and then come on again. After break&st much loud belching of wind ; sharp pain in 1. hypogastrium, lasting a short time. Pain in 1. chest has been troublesome through afternoon ; felt most during a deep inspiration, though not all the time present (j/V). Sharp pain in r. chest, by turns, during same time. Dull pain in head with confusion ; increased on stooping ; worse at times. 9 p.m., took 8 gr. 1 8th. — Dr)'ness of throat last n. Vivid dreams of travelling. No other new symptoms till 2 h. after dinner ; then heartburn, lasting for some time. Mind is less dull and muddy than for several d. 19th.-

No medicine since last date ; no new symptoms last n. Pains in chest troublesome, though not constant through d. Pain with soreness under 1. scapula* Heartburn commencing about an h. after each meal, and lasting i h. Crampy pain in nape of neck, first on one side and then on other, lasting for a short time. Feeling of languor and haziness in e., and aversion to mental labour. 20th. — Frequent and urgent desire to urinate in forenoon ; water pretty clear, and aggregate quantity large. From 12 m. to 5 p.m., no opportunity to pass urine. By 2 desire was urgent and pain in bladder considerable ; pain kept increasing from 2 to 5, at which time it was very severe in bladder above pubes and in prostate gland and neck of bladder. The water passed in a feeble stream, occupying considerable time. After all had passed, considerable soreness of bladder, followed by frequent micturition. Though the urine had often been retained much longer without difficulty, it was evident that this group of troubles of the bladder arose from over-distension, and that the medicine affected the bladder only through the increased secretion of urine. Very sleepy in e. ; slept sound for 10 h. in succession. Pains and soreness still felt about chest, though not so constantly as several d. ago. 21st. — No new symptoms till to-day an h. after dinner, when dull pain in stomach, with soreness on pressure, occurred. Burning itching of outer ear in e., lasting ^ h. Violent pain in r. toes and foot to instep, lasting ^ h. 22nd. — Diminution of aphrodisiac sense still continues, and whole function seems so weak as to be well-nigh removed, and has been so since 2nd d. of proving. The excitement reaches a low pitch, at which it culminates from slight cause, — simulating impotency. Urine more natural ; but emitted flatus still very fcetid, and abundant. Pains in bowels still present, at times through d., lasting a few m., and generally followed by flatulent emissions, showing that pains were caused by flatus. Pains in stomach still come on about i h. after each meal, with soreness of stomach to pressure, and accompanied at times with loud belchings of empty tasteless flatus, which affords relief. Pains in bowels to-day most in region of ascending and transverse colon. Pains in chest still troublesome, passing from place to place ; felt in central part of 1. chest in front, and passing thence under 1. scapula, but of a less acute character, more sore and aching. Pains still aggravated by deep inspiration. A sharp pain as though some round sharp instrument was pushing out through the lower end of sternum, for a short time, at about 12 m. Burning itching of outer ears when in a warm room, after riding in open air (which was not cold), and on putting hand to the ears was surprised to find they were not hot, though they were red. This burning has been troublesome all d. when indoors. Inclination to sigh continues and is marked ; I find myself making frequent involuntary inspirations; this has been for a number of days. 23rd. — Symptoms diminished ; but gloomy and discontented. Many of the above symptoms continued to recur for several d., but in a gradually diminished degree, till finally all disappeared. ( Trans, of Amer. Inst, ofHom.^ 1858.) f

1. W. B. Chamberlain, M.D., of a sanguineous temperament and full habit, took 6 gr. of 1st trit. without knowing what he was

taking. Feeling in stomach as if distended by food. Dull, sleepy, oppressive pain, embracing whole head, but most in cerebellum. Slight

J'crking pain in r, knee-joint. Bilious, slimy, offensive faecal evacuations, umpy and covered with mucus, as many as 12 stools a d., with little pain. Seem to be more of a dysenteric character as the disease progresses. Stool in m, soon after rising, mostly bloody mucus. Slight pain low down in bowels. Frequent urging to stool with small discharges, attended with pain in head. Abdomen feels weak. Took last medicine on Friday, and the symptoms were at their height on following Sunday, and continued with gradual abatement till last of week. {Ibid,)

7, E. M. Jones, M.D., sanguine temperament and very active, Jan. 1 1 th, 1855, weather cold and clear, took 3 gr. (? of pure substance) at 9 a,m. In \ h, fulness and pressure in head, aggravated by pressure of hat, lasting at intervals all d. Not subject to headache. 1 2th. — Slept well all n., but during forenoon pain in all limbs, worse in gastrocnemii, as from a cold. Dull heavy feeling in head and sensation of fulness and repletion of stomach ; soft stool, but otherwise natural. Took 4 gr. ; biting stinging in small spot on 1, natis. 4 p.m., biting stinging in front corner of L nostril, succeeded by sneezing and lachrymation from 1. eye j whole group disappeared within 30 m. i^th, 6 a.m., 4 gr. Returned to bed. Drawing pains in gastrocncmii. Soft pappy stool. Slight momentary headache in forehead over 1, eye. Shock of pain in 1. ear. Dull pressive frontal headache lasting all d. Sensation of faintness or emptiness in pharynx continued from last n. I4th,^^ — Slept well. 7.30 am., 4 gr. Empty sensation in throat continues. 4 p.m., 4 gr. 15th. — Soft stool, but difficult of expulsion. 12 m,, headache principally on 1. side, pressive, occasionally throbbing, aggravated by stepping or quick motion. i6th. — ^Stool rather costive, expelled with difficulty. 17th, 730 a.m., 6 gr. In an h. biting stinging in front of corner of r. nostril, accompanied by slight sneezing and lachrymation (similar to that on the 12th), Slight flatulency. 4 p.m., 4 gr, 1 8th. — ^Before rising in ra. sudden sharp cuttings or stitches in region of heart, cutting short the breath both m expiration and inspiration, continuing about 5 m. and then going off. Slight pains of same nature preventing a full breath, occasionally during d, 1% m., sharp shootings through temples, leaving a momentary soreness of r. temple after pain had gone. Shooting through perineum and into penis. Shooting through 1. thigh, 19th. — Aching in outer side of r. knee in bed, soon followed by aching in ball of 1. fcx>t, relieved by motion (lasting about 10 m.). Restless sleep disturbed by dreams. Severe biting stinging in outer border of 1. axilla, momentarily relieved by scratching. Heavy confused feeling in head as if about to ache* Sleepiness all d., with yellowness of complexion and sclerotica. 20th. —Restless sleep last n., disturbed by dreams, amorous and fearful. Severe lamed or bruised feeling in both nates. (Snowstorm yesterday.) Soreness of throat and fauces on swallowing. Throbbing headache behind L ear (going off soon), zist. — Aching in pulp of 1. forefinger, sometimes extending up arm and giving it a sensation of weakness (continuing all d.). Pain in nates better* Headache has continued at

intervals throughout proving^ generally being aggravated by eating. Yesterday and to-day pain has been a beating pain, extending through both parietal bones. Occasional aching pain in r. eyeball, rainfullv hard costive stool. Frequent emission of foetid flatulence. 22nd. — Pain in nates nearly gone. No headache this a.m., though a feeling of fulness and confusion continues^ which has been an accompaniment of the headache all along. I have noticed too a great lack of definiteness in my memory, an inability to remember common symptoms of common remedies, and for 3 d. past rather less appetite than usual. Pain in I. forefinger to-day as yesterday, felt more when driving. Stool soft. 23rd. — Amorous dream with emission. 26th. — As it rained heavily on 22nd and I became thoroughly drenched and caught some cold, and was compelled to take medicine, I considered the provings vitiated and have not kept a record of symptoms. Have had rheumatic pains in shoulders and chest, &c'., all of which might have been effects of cold.