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Attee reports a case where the foetus was extracted,
placenta left. What becomes of the placenta is not
discu-sed.

Attention is called to the treatment of acute paren-
chymatous nephritis of pregnancy.

Out of one hundred and fifty-six patients admitted to the Boston Lying-in Hospital, albumen was found in sixty-four, or nearly forty one per cent.

The etiology is sill sub judice; the treatment still a vexed question. Recognized authorities can throw but little light upon the subjec1.

Professor Playfair advises induction of labor where the amount of albumen is large and increasing. (System of Midwifery, 1878, p. 195.)

Professor Barker considers this procedure only justifiable when treatment has been thoroughly tried without success. (Am. Jour. Obst., July, 1878, p. 558.)

Schrorder, Manual of Midwifery, 1873, p. 319, says all obstetrical manipulations are contra-indicated so far as maternal interests are concerned, although the life of the child may be saved by verson or applications of forceps The cause of acute parenchymatous nephritis during the course of pregnancy is very ably treated by Professor Bartels, found in Ziemssen's Encyclopedia of the Practice of Medicine, vol, XV. The quality and quantity of the daily secretion of urine by chemical and microscopical examination was pointed out as a valuable diagnostic sign.

When complications are found to exist, the urine of the patient should be daily measured, to ascertain whether the kidneys were performing their functions, and secreting the normal amount of urine.

If the quantity of urine daily secreted was found below the amount, we should endeavor to re-establish the impaired function of the kidneys.

If this effort failed, supplement this loss by increas ed action of other excretory organs, as recently recommended by Professor Barker.

ous injections of morphine and atropia to quiet nervousness, but all in vain. The family insisted upon having abortion produced, but upon consulting with other physicians, it was not deemed practicable. In due time natural abortion ensued, and a dead fœtus of three and a half months was expelled. Contrary to expectations, the nausea continued for fourteen days after the delivery; rectal elimentation was kept up for that time, and for a much longer period. His

The patient gained rapidly in flesh and color. method of adminis ering nutriment was ten ounces of beef tea twice a day to each injection—one teaspoonful of Borden's or Leibig's, or sometimes Valentine's condensed preparation of meat.

During the interval of the morning and evening injection, a full goblet of water, not quite cold, was given several hours apart.

Another interesting case of gravid nausea successfully treated for five weeks by rectal aliments, is reported by Dr. Garnett of Washington.

We expressed the opinion that true gastritis will result from a protracted period of uterine irritation, and may constitute one of the conditions imperatively demanding rest. Though many deny that there is any organic change in the mucous membrane of the stomach, yet to my mind it is not probable that in extreme cases a hyperæmia is evoked, and such a condition would aggravate gastric ingestion of aliments.

Rectal alimentation has been termed by different writers, "reversed peristaltic action;""inverted peristal-is;" and Copeland and Pavy, "anti-peristaltic action" of the muscular coats of the intestines.

ingestion takes place as well as if it had arrived from the buccal cavity.

Dr. Campbell defines this well-known action as retro stalsis." The manner in which he accounts for the digestion, absorption, and assimulation of food when placed in the rectum is, that nutrient materials injected into the bowels are carried up out of the rectum, and made to reach that portion of the dige-tive canal where all the conditions of normal If the amount of urine is lessening, then induce pre-intestinal digestion may be fully met with, and rectal mature labor and avoid eclampsia; if the child is viable, then it is our imperative duty to induce labor. As a diaphoretic, Philcarpine was mentioned by Thomas. He says there is a class of cases in which the urine is freely secreted, but when, upon boiling with nitric acid, only a small portion solidifies; and in those cases there is no tendency to amaurosis or stertorous respiration at night, both of which he regards as valuable diagnostic signs. In patients where the opposite conditions were found, he believe nothing but premature delivery would prevent convulsions.

Attee employed venesection as a prophylactic. The subject of excessive vomiting in pregnancy, involving the life of the mother, has recently attracted much attention.

A case of gravid nausea where nutrition was maintained for fifty-two days by rectal alimentation alone, is reported by Dr. Campbell, of Augusta, Georgia. The subject and discussion occupies thirty pages. That the stomach rejected food was supposed to result from ulceration of the cervix.

In the discussion that took place in the French Academy of Medicine, this question arose: Is it ever justifiable to induce abortion in cases of excessive vomiting? The ultimate decision of the discussion was of a mixed character. Some striking instances are recorded where pregnant women died from the effects of vomiting. Principles and Practice of Obstetrics, by Bedford. Flint on rectal alimentation (see American Practitioner, January, 1878) does not once refer to nausea and inanition of pregnancy.

But he states that life may be sustained indefinitely, solely by rectal introduction of aliments, from three weeks to five years.

Cazeaux and Hodge make no reference whatever to rectal alimentation, but in such cases employ abortion. In this case, soda water, champagne, Potion de Rivere," and oxalate of cerium were given; subcutane

86

This process or vital action of co-ordinated and continuous retro stalsis is to the rectum and small intestines what deglutition is to the esophagus and stomach, and for a more appropriate designation he terms it, "Intestinal inhaustion."

Chadwick propo-es in desperate cases to inject with the aspirator through the abdominal walls nutrient fluids and stimulants into the small intestines, "that part of the alimentary canal from which they will be most readily absorbed." (Am. Jour. Obst., vol. VIII, p. 399, November, 1875.)

Dr. Bennett says, since his attention has been attracted to this subject, "he is persuaded" that those gastric disorders and obstinate vomitings are almost all caused by inflammatory ulcerations of the cervix.

Sudden narcotism from opium suppositories, where consciousness was almost wholly suspended for fourteen hours after the removal of ovarian tumors. (American Gynæ. (Trans., vol. III.) The case is reported simply on account of the sudden and almost overwhelming action of the opium employed. For two days the patient had used the suppositories which so suddenly, in the afternoon of the third day, induced such a profound narcotic effect. They were given at regular intervals, and had been carefully prepared by a skillful druggist.

The explanation of this unexpected effect is not perfectly apparent, but the case forms an excellent commentary on Dr. Campbell's paper on rectal alimentation. Was the absorption from the rectum abolished for a time and suddenly renewed? Is opium administered in this manner liable to have a cumulative effect? Or, as is probably the case, were the suppositories crowded into a mass of feces, so as only to reach the absorbing surface of the rectum in a combined mass?

THE

НОМ ЕОРАТНІС TIMES.

A MONTHLY JOURNAL

Of Medicine, Surgery, and the Collateral Sciences.

VOL. VII.

NEW YORK, JANUARY, 1880.

MEDICAL PROGRESS.*

BY ELDRIDGE C. PRICE, M. D.

We intend, under this title, to give a brief review of the advance of medical science in the last year. By advance of medical science we mean the progress of homœopathy, and the concessions made by allopathy to homœopathy; also, the present relation of allopathy to our system. It is an impossibility to make a comparison of two such inimical subjects. Therefore, do not, by any means, consider a statement of facts a comparison of systems.

The dogma of the old school and the law of our system are antipodal in their relation to each other. The practice of the old school has been from the time of Esculapius, is to-day, and will be in the dim distance of future ages, a practice of heterodoxy.

The law, so called by them, " Contraria contrariis curantur," is not found out of mechanical forces; it is but the principle of brute force, the strong subduing the weak. Exclude mechanics, antizymotics, and homœopathy from the materia medica of allopathy, and "Contraria contrariis curantur" will prove itself to be but a fable. In other words, sum up the cures made under this, their dogma, unassisted by any other law, and we have a blank page. In a great many cases they do as one of their representatives so honestly expressed himself-" blunder on to some good things. A ship without a compass will sometimes "blunder " into harbor, or, perchance, blunder on to a rock. As an example of this blundering into a good thing, I find in Braithwaite for July, 1879, an article on asthma, in which arsenic smoking is recommended, and, as proof of its efficacy, a case is mentioned of a taxidermist, who used white arsenic largely in his business. I quote literally: "This man was asthmatical and a smoker, and, when taken with one of his breath attacks, he usually added some white arsenic to the contents of his pipe, and speedily found relief." Oh! blind! blind! blind! You have ears, and hear not; eyes, and see not. Whither will your blindness lead you? Even into the light of day; but, because of your bigoted unbelief, ye know it not. The cause of this asthma we recognize at once, because we have a law by which we know drug action is governed. Further on we find, "for old-standing emphysematous asthma," Nux vomica. Also: "In cases of anæmia approaching in gravity the so-called essential or pernicious anæmia, Arsenic is capable of producing great benefit." A fact, I believe, none of us will dispute. Another glaring error allopathy makes-it is the practice of polypharmacy.

Can a man possibly know which drug produced the cure, when he has used a combination in which each of the constituents may be equally powerful? The old

*Read at the Baltimore Hom. Med. Society.

No. 10.

school know too little of what they call the physiological action of drugs, to practice polypharmacy.

But still we see cases reported, giving credit to one drug for the result when several have been used. To illustrate: In the Brief for August, 1879, a case of hæmoptysis is reported cured by Gallic acid and powdered Opium, when, at the same time, fluid ext. Acon. and tinct. Ipecac were given. The cure was probably caused by either the Acon. or Ipecac, and it is supposable that Gallic acid and Opium had but little effect. This combination of drugs is carried so far that even some of their own number is becoming disgusted. As an example of this fact, I quote the following from an old-school_journal: In the December number of the Medical Brief, there appears an article from the pen of P. H. Thornton, M. D., of Lakeport, Cal., in which he highly extols the effect of Hypo-sulphate of soda in the treatment of diphtheria. Now, while we do not care to take issue with him regarding the happy results of his treatment, nor detract from the merits of Hyposulph. in this disease, we are somewhat perplexed to divine by what he determines his good results, when he has combined with the Hyposulph. some four medicines which, heretofore, have held a position among the very best in the treatment of diphtheria. "Now, we must ascribe to the doctor a highly developed power of discrimination, if he can decide from the above treatment that the good results are entirely due to Soda hyposulphas."

This could not have expressed more disgust and condemnation if it had been written by an homoopath.

Again, we find in an allopathic journal an article in which the cure of a case of apoplexy is said to have been produced by Ergot, but, on reading the article, I find that it is combined with Aconite; therefore, we are uncertain which caused the cure.

In the Medical Brief for August, 1879, G. W. Walter, M. D., writes: "I would not have it understood that Aconite is a hobby of mine. I am not that much of a Ringer; but I do say it has proved by far more valuable in my hands in the treatment of pneu monia and other kindred disease, than any of the beforenamed drugs," i. e. Gelseminum, Veratrum vir., and Digitalis. Thus we find the old school trying to generalize continually. They want specifics; of course they never find them, and the consequence is, they lose faith in drugs and discard them as worthless; grasping at each new drug successively, hoping they have found the ne plus ultra, when again the bubble bursts. This is why we find so many of the phlegmatic old-school disciples discouraging the use of drugs; their refuge is in hygiene.

One of the last original discoveries in the old school is the action of Gelseminum in inflammations. I. J.. M. Goss, M, D., of Marietta, Ga., author of an allopathic materia medica, recommends Gels. in “all forms of a remittent type." I quote verbatim, “Catarr

Health.”

hal" fever, and all intermittent fevers, and irritative sentation in the National Board of Health,'says, viz." fevers, such as are caused by some foreign substance, "This Board of Health is a National Board of Health' etc. In cerebro-spinal fevers in small doses it is a as its name implies-not an Allopathic, Eclectic, Hy valuable remedy. It is a valable remedy in measles, dropathic, Thomsonian nor Homœopathic Board of by keeping the eruption to the surface, and controlling the catarrhal element of the disease. In neuralgia and neuralgic headaches, I have found Gelseminum to be a very prompt remedy. It is good remedy in amaurosis, if given in small doses, say ten drops every three hours. I have frequently nsed it with happy effect in ophthalmia." "It is one of our best remedies in tardy labor from rigid os uteri."

This, gentlemen, is from an allopathic journal, the expression of an allopathic authority, and accepted as allopathic by the allopathic fraternity; therefore, make no mistake in supposing it to be in any way homeopathic. Again, we find reported by a co-worker with the above, a case of cerebro-spinal meningitis as cured by Gels., two or three drops every half or one hour, diminishing the frequency, and in three days the patient was well,' The following are a few more recommendations by this school of illustrious scientists, viz. In gout, swollen, bulbous and contracted joint, Phosphorus is highly efficacious, and is used also in psoriasis.

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Hyoscyamus is a remedy found satisfactory in senile insomnia,

For night sweats in phthisis pulmonum, Belladonna and Quinine have found favor.

Dr, Planat, of Nice, claims that Arnica, used locally, "has the power of absorbing an eruption of boils with extraordinary rapidity."

Here is a literal quotation from the Medical Brief for January, 1879: Honey antidotes reptile poisons by reason of the insect poison which it contains. It is for this reason that honey when eaten is poisonous to some persons. Bee poison (Apis millificus) will be found equaly efficacious with honey, and much more convenient in consequence of the smaller quantity required." Is it possible our foe sees nothing more significant in this than merely the antidotal effect of Apis? I transcribe the following relative to Aconite : An extensive use of this agent for the last fifteen years clearly convinces us of its superior merits in a large majority of febrile and inflammatory diseases, when given in small and oft-repeated doses." Mark you, small and oft-repeated," not one or two large and overwhelming doses, as advised by declining heroic allopathy.

Cantharis is recommended for ennuresis accompanied with strangury, also for gonorrhoea with intense burning pains.

For colic accompanied with flatulence Colocynth has been largely used.

Extract of coffee is of late used for nervous headache. The HOMEOPATHIC TIMES says: "Another won derful discovery on Therapeutics reaches us through the Medical Record. The 1-36 of a grain of Iodide of potash repeated every half hour is found to control severe forms of vomiting in pregnancy."

The medical profession make constant use of Carbolic acid as an antiseptic and disinfectant. But until lately we have been in ignorance of its homeopathicity in all such conditions, where pus is formed. It is a fact recently discovered by one of the old-school. Dr. L. Brieger,in July, 1878, wrote an article showing from observation that Carbolic acid was produced in certain diseased conditions in which pus was present. finds it remarkable that the same substance so extensively used to eradicate putrifaction exists in large quantities in septic states." This is but another proof

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of the existence of the law of similars in nature. That homeopathy is claiming not only the attention, but also the recognition of individuals in the old school, is a fact.

·

"The spirit which is being manifested in some sections of the country against homoeopathy is not the spirit of the age, and I am glad to say, for the credit of the medical profession, that that spirit is gradually hiding its head. We cannot help acknowledging that very many of the homeopathic physicians are educated men, having been educated side by side with us, some of them taking prizes at our colleges; and yet, because they may choose to administer their remedies according to the law of similars,' instead of the law 'contraria,' we immediately ostracize them from all social and professional privileges, as far as lies in our power." "Their practice is no more based upon an exclusive dogma than ours; their educated men do not reject the accumulated experience of the profession' any more than we do; their anatomy, physiology, pathology, and organic chemistry' are the same as ours; they use the same palliatives that we do the only point upon which we differ is in the administration of remedies. If the truth was known, many of our own school carry their small pocket-cases of tinctures, and administer their remedies according to the homoopathic law, but are not honest enough to acknowledge it."

This is admitting more than allopaths, as a rule, will dare admit. Such a spirit of progress deservesencouragement, and I venture to predict that, in a, few years, the writer will join our ranks.

We have no objection to the old school using our remedies just as many as they wish-and applying our law whenever they see occasion; but we do object to their carrying small pocket cases and administering remedies according to our law, and then concealing the truth; we object to being defrauded of our rights. Why, do you suppose for one instant that a great many of their falsely called "discoveries are not intentionally purloined from our materia medica, and palmed off upon their unsuspecting brethren as facts, the result of scientific investigation?

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Does not our friend, in the article just quoted, say as much? When they use a remedy according to our law, let them publish it as homeopathic-give us credit --or abandon the remedy.

A short time ago I saw in an allopathic journal, as an original discovery, Silphium recommended in the cough of phthisis pulmonum. I immediately wrote to the editor, and told him that any further informa tion concerning the drug could be found in "Hale's, New Remedies.". Did he do as an honest seeker after truth should do? Of course not; neither would any other orthodox "regular;" he simply ignored the communication, and Silphium is labeled for "cough in consumption," and handed down to posterity, to be again aired when some other groper after specifics happens to relieve a patient of cough with Silphium.

Recently an article appeared in the Brief, entitled "Peculiar Effect of Opium," referring to cramp in the abdomen. Another progressive investigator boldly announces Spiritus nucis juglandis as a cure for obstinate vomiting. Referring to Jabr's "Materia Medica," we find both these symptoms mentioned under their respective drugs, more than 30 years ago,

"Wood's Library of Standard Medical Authors," is the title of a series of twelve volumes now being issued. Among them is a volume by Charles D. F. Phillips, M.D., F.R.C.S.E., on "Materia Medica and Therapeutics." The work, it must be said, is in advance of previous old school productions upon this subject. But it is by no means an exhaustive work. The sec ondary symptoms produced by drugs are dwelt upon, in some instances almost to the complete exclusion of

As an example, one of their number, in the Medical
Reco 1,in justifying the right of homœopathy to repre- their primary effects.

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The toxic effect of some drugs is alone mentioned But few of the remedies mentioned in this volume escape the test for our law of similars. I will give a few examples from this progressive allopathic materia medica, now found upon the shelves of the majority of physicians, viz. :

PULSATILLA

mucous

Physiological Action-Inflammation of membranes. It is an irritant. The local irritant action of Pulsatilla can be produced either by direct application to the skin, or by breathing the dust in pulverization.'

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Therapeutic Action." Pulsatilla may be employed in most of those acute and sub-acute inflammations of the mucous membranes generally, in which the discharge is of a muco-purulent character, etc." Physiological Action." The inhalation of the dust has produced itching of the eyes, colic, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc."

Therapeutic Action. It is given to cure "eases of inflammation of the conjunctiva, and of the auditory and nasal passages." ." It is also given to cure with an inclination or wish to vomit.'

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nausea

Physiological Action.-It produces profound depres

sion of the nervous system.

and announce such truths as these? The 1-460.000, and 1-128,600 of a grain are both beyond our fifth decimal potency, and you acknowledge that even the whole of this is not absorbed; but even then its effect is produced.

Oh! blind! blind! blind! "Ephraim is joined to his idols; let him alone."

CINCHONA.

relative to the physiological standard of this most im-
Now heur the verdict of Trousseau and Pidoux,
portant of all drugs to the allopathic practitioner:

Cinchona, given in large doses, produces in many
"Daily observation, says Bretonneau, proves that
acter of this fever, and the period at which it mani-
persons a well marked febrile movement. The char-
tinnitus aurium, deafness, and a sort of intoxication,
fests itself, vary in different cases.
with a slight chill, first occur. Succeeding this there
Most frequently
with slight perspiration.
is dry heat, with headache, which gradually subside,

"Under additional or larger doses the fever is increased. These physiological effects of Cinchona of physicians in this country; since then, many observ have been misunderstood and denied by the majority ers, abroad and at home, have testified to the same,

and though the authors claimed the honor of a discov-,

herapeutic Action.-In dyspepsia it is recommend ed where there is "depression of the nervous system," with “ occasional pain and flatulent colic in the epi-ery which belonged to Bretonneau, their testimony is gastrium. no less valuable; and to-day any physician may, with a little attention, verify the facts on which we here insist."

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BELLADONNA.

Physiological Action.-It produces convulsions. Therapeutic Action.-It cures convulsions. Physiological Action.-It produces an eruption anal ogous to scarlet fever. The author says: For my own part, I am convinced that the scarlatina-like rash of Belladonna poisoning is far from being an accidental or rare occurrence. 99 He acknowledges it is a characteristic symptom of Belladonna, and then, under Therapeutic Action," he recommends it as a "prophylactic against scarlet fever."

"

Physiological Action.--" Delirium, which is often of a noisy character, but, at any rate, always busy, and usually attended by spectral hallucinations.'

Therapeutic Action.-Belladonna is given for delirium tremens.

Physiological Action.-Belladonna produces inflammation and acceleration of the pulse, "redness and chemosis of the conjunctiva, erysipelatoid swelling of the lids, lachrymation, etc."

Therapeutic Action.-" Many forms of inflammation are amenable to its powers," among which is erysipelas.

In speaking of Atropia, Dr. Phillips mentions some points of very decided interest to us, which I here transcribe: 66 The quantity of Atropia required to dilate the pupil has been estimated by several observers. "Dr. H. C. Wood states that a drop or two of a solution, containing one twentieth of a grain to an ounce of water, is sufficient in many cases. One drop of such a solution would contain one ten-thousandth of a grain, but, as the entire drop is not absorbed, the actual amount of effective Atropia is indefinitely less. "Dr. D. B. St. J. Roosa (manuscript communication to editor) states that he has seen dilatation result from one twenty-thousandth of a grain, and Dr. Ely from one forty-thousandth. Trousseau and Pidoux refer to an instance in which a dog's pupil was dilated for eighteen hours by the 1-128,600 of a grain. Lastly, Dr. E. G. Loring, of this city, states (manuscript communication) that he has dilated his own pupil for twelve hours with 1-460,000 of a grain."

This is an authoritative allopathic announcement, ex cathedra. What have our orthodox friends, who dare to ridicule the idea of infinitesimal dose, to say to this? Speak, I challenge ye! Dare you longer pronounce anathemas against us, when you discover

Though the author attempts to disprove the resem-
makes the following acknowledgment:
blance of Cinchona symptoms to intermittent fever, he
The occa
doses of Cinchona (less frequently after pure quinine),
sional occurrence of symptoms after the use of large
which resemble those which accompany a malarial
paroxysm, is undoubted."

fevers in the materia medica than Cinchona. But the
There is no more homœopathic remedy to chills and
scribing it when it really is indicated.
evil is in its abuse; therefore we often neglect pre-

We now come to another agent largely used by the old school:

ERGOT-SECALE CORNUTUM. and causes persistent bearing down pains. Physiological Action.-It excites uterine contraction

Therapeutic Action.--It is administered, in certain cases, to cure 46 distressing pains of a bearing-down description," accompanied with a spasmodic condition.

Physiological Action.-Ergot will cause a cessation of hemorrhage.

to produce a return of the menses.
Therapeutic Action.-It is also given in amenorrhea,

IRIS VERSICOLOR.

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root has a highly nauseous taste and odor.
Physiological Action.--"Water distilled from the
It produces violent vomiting and purgation."
parations from the dried plant'
and cerebral disturbance."
dition we have found Iris of the utmost service, name-
Therapeutic Action.-"In one other distressing con-
ly: a blinding headache, the pain occupying the region.
of the right supra orbital, and accompanied with nau-
sea and vomiting.

""

RHUS TOXICODENDRON.

apparently of a rheumatic kind, and which are felt,
Physiological Action.-" Rhus also induces pains,
especially about the joints.
not only in the limbs, but in the body, though most

induced, and to these affections is often added a sense
"Pain and stiffness in the lumbar regions are often
of numbness in the lower extremities. The structures
most powerfully affected appear to be the fibrous ones,

IPECACUANHA.

* * *

The pains in question are accompanied by a very slight amount of swelling, and, singular to say, they become Physiological action.-"It is a local irritant both to intensified by rest and warmth." the skin and the mucous membrane. In large doses it Therapeutic Action.-"Rhus is a very powerfuls a special irritant" "to the gastric and intherapeutic agent in various sub-acute and chronic testinal mucous membrane." affections of the fibrous tissues generally." And the Therapeutic action.-"In catarrh which mainly afvery symptom, "aggravation from rest," is cured con- fects the stomach, Ipecacuanha can also prove very tinually with Rhus, by homoeopathic physicians. useful, but it needs to be applied with more precauPhysiological Action.-Rhus produces an inflamma- tion." Anything like the emetic, or even the nausetion studded with little vesicles, accompanied by pain ating doses would be almost sure to aggravate the inand itching. flammatory tendency and produce gastritis of an unmanageable kind."

This condition somewhat resembles eczema. Therapeutic Action-Chronic eczema of six years' standing is mentioned as cured by Rhus.

SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS-BLOOD ROOT.

Physiological Action.-" When introduced into the circulation, it diminishes muscular contractility." "Applied locally Sanguinaria soon causes complete paralysis of striped muscular fibre."

Therapeutic action.-In phthisis, Sauguinaria "benefits the disease by reviving the enfeebled powers of

the stomach."

Physiological action.-"It causes marked adynamia and prostration."

Therapeutic action.-Sanguinaria is used in gastric debility and in general debility.

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Physiological action.-"There is a well known phenomenon produced by the inhalation of ipecacuanha dust: in ordinary persons this produces merely cough and sneezing, and might be attributed merely to the local irritant action; but in certain subjects-and they are probably more numerous than is generally supposed-the sneezing, coughing, and running at the eyes and nose are supplemented by an amount of dyspnoea and feeling of anxiety which is comparable to that caused by an attack of spasmodic asthma or of the more spasmodic form of hay fever."

Therapeutic action.-"As an anti-catarrhal remedy, Ipecacuanha has extensive and various uses; for there is perhaps no part of the mucous tracts the catarrhal affections of which may not be beneficially treated with this drug." In children even acute catarrh is "In various spasmuch benefited by Ipecacuanha." stran modic diseases of the respiratory organs, Ipecacuanha is of great value-in simple inflammatory croup and in pneumonia.”

Physiological action.-This drug produces gury with passage of small quantities of bloody urine.' Therapeutic action.-Chronic cystitis. "For hemorrhage of various kinds there can be no doubt that Turpentine often proves very efficacious."

COPAIVA.

*
*

*

Ipecac. to produce vomiting, so well known in this It is hardly necessary to mention the ability of quality. Its power also to cure this symptom is menPhysiological action.-"The skin, the bronchial tioned as follows: "In vomiting of several kinds, Ipetubes, the digestive organs and the whole of the mucacuanha is demonstrated to be an excellent medicine; cous surfaces are affected by it," "and the but it here requires to be taken in very small doses. urinary apparatus most markedly and uniform One minim of the wine (equal to 1-32 grain) is taken in ly." "Micturition becomes too frequent and is pre- water and repeated at short intervals until a decided ceded and followed by itching, smarting and burning effect is produced." Dr. Phillips mentions the follow'As an arrester of hemorrhage in the urethral passage, and during its progress is ac- ing significant fact: companied by heat and tenesmus, and even by hæma- Ipecacuanha possesses considerable energy, a fact which turia and ischuria." is the more curious because in poisonous doses it has frequently produced hæmoptysis and other forms of bleeding."

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Therapeutic action." The great and special use of Copaiva is in the chronic stages of gonorrhoea. Copaiva has, likewise, been employed with success in chronic inflammation of the bladder."

Physiological action." The effects of Copaiva upon the respiratory tract are shown in its producing irrita tion in the larynx and bronchi; dryness also in the larynx, huskiness in the chest, and dry and painful cough, in connection with which there is expectora tion of a semi-purulent, greenish and nauseously smelling mucous."

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Therapeutic action. -"Favorable mention is also made of Copaiva in cases of chronic pulmonary

catarrh.'

In chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bowels, especially of the colon and of the rectum, Copaiva has again proved a valuable agent.

VITIS VINIFERA-GRAPES.

The "grape cure" is mentioned by Phillips, and the article deserves notice : "With less constancy," he says, "but still with much frequency, grapes act in a laxative, or even decidedly purgative manner; and if this irritant effect be carried to excess, particularly in children and delicate persons, there may be excoriation of the tongue, chronic diarrhoea, and an apthous condition of the whole alimentary canal."

Under the curative effects of grapes the following fact is stated: "The mucous catarrhs of the intestines, and even true dysentery, appears to be greatly benefited by the use of grapes. The authoritative names of Pringle, Sydenham, and many others, may be quoted in support of this statement.'

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These examples are sufficient to show how full of our law is this allopathic materia medica, even though the author denies and disguises the fact throughout the whole work. Does any allopath conceive where many of the peculiar symptoms and original ideas in this materia medica were obtained?

Possibly not. But what if I should suggest an idea relative to this point?

Phillips may probably have had access to the homœopathic materia medica some time previous to his writing the present work. May not some of the information he probably gained prior to his becoming lecturer in Westminster Hospital, London, have still clung to his memory, and in writing, become so thoroughly confused with ideas more recently conceived that they were all evolved simultaneously; hence the heterogenious result.

Did we not possess correct information, we might suppose this new materia medica had been written by some crafty Ishmaelite, whose object was to instill homoeopathy almost imperceptibly, but surely, into the therapeia of allopathy.

We can dwell no longer upon this part of our subject, but will pass on to a more congenial and less vexatious subject, viz.: the progress of homoeopathy.

What advance do we find in the last year? First, in relation to the much discussed topic, yellow fever. After the Woodworth Commission had returned and reported, a Congressional committee of yellow fever experts was appointed, and among them we find as the representative of homœopathy, Dr. L. A. Falligant

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