PREFACE NINTH EDITION
In preparing the ninth edition of this work, I have followed the lines laid out for all the previous editions, namely, to present in a condensed form the homśopathic Materia Medica for practical use.
The book contains the well known verified characteristic symptoms of all our medicines besides other less important symptoms aiding the selection of the curative remedy, All the new medicines and essentials of the published clinical experience of the school have been added. In its present compact form it contains the maximum number of reliable Materia Medica facts in the minimum space.
I have tried to give a succinct resume of the symptomatology of every medicine used in Homśopathy, including also clinical suggestions of many drugs so far not yet based on provings, thus offering the opportunity to experiment with these and by future provings discover their distinctive use and so enlarging our armamentarium.
I am aware that there is a difference of opinion about the advisability of further introduction of remedies, especially of such as seem obsolete or to some minds illusory. But it is not for the compiler to leave out information about any substance that has received the clinical endorsement from a reliable source.
Our Materia Medica must include all substances which have been proved and which have been used with apparent efficacy. It rests with the individual student to judge for himself the accuracy and, reliability of such observation. In this connection, I cannot forego to avail myself of the high authority of that master of Homśopathy, Dr. Constantine Hering, favoring the introduction of all remedies capable of producing reactions in the body that may guide to their medicinal employment. “Homśopathy is essentially not only many-sided but all-sided. She investigates the action of all substances, whether articles of diet, beverages, condiments, drugs or poisons. She investigates their action on the healthy, the sick, animals and plants. She gives; a new interpretation to that ancient, oft quoted saying of Paul, Prove all things–a new meaning, a new application that acts universally. Elimination of the useless may gradually take place with the growth of accurate physiological and pathological knowledge.”
Again, imperfectly proved remedies necessitate the use of names of diseases at times instead of the component symptoms that alone are the legitimate guide to the choice of the curative remedy. Here, too, I have Hering as pioneer guide for the ligitimacy of this method, which he also followed in his great work, the Guiding Symptoms. He said that he used the disease designations not for the purpose of recommending the particular remedy for that disease, but to show the great variety of remedies that may be used for any form of disease when otherwise indicated. For the same reason I have included nosological terms in the symptomatology and Therapeutic Index, as this is a practical handbook for every-day service, and any aid for finding the curative remedy ought to be utilized. As Dr. J. Compton Burnett expresses it:
“The fact is we need any and every way of finding the right remedy; the simple simile, the simple symptomatic similimum and the farthest reach of all-the pathologic similimum, and I maintain that we are still well within the line- of Homśopathy that is expansive, progressive, science fostered and science fostering.”
The dosage needs some apology. It is, of course, suggestive only; more often to be wholly disregarded. I have followed the lines of the earlier Homśopathists in this regard, and given what was then considered the usual range of potency, to which I have added my own experience and that of many observing practitioners. Every teacher of Materia Medica is constantly importuned by students to suggest the potency–something to start with at least.
The book is in no sense a treatise, and must not be considered or judged as such. It is as accurate and reliable a compilation and the fullest collection of verified Materia Medica facts and clinical suggestions as it is possible to obtain within the compass of the volume. It supplements every other work on Materia Medica, and if used as a ready reminder of the essential facts of our vast symptomatology and as an introduction to the larger books of reference and record of provings, it will fulfill its purpose and prove a useful aid to the student and general practitioner. As such it is again offered with much appreciation of past endorsement to his professional brethren.
I have been aided in seeing this edition through the press by the efficient help of Mr. F. O. Ernesty, who has lightened the labor of making the manuscript more acceptable to the printers, and I desire to express my hearty appreciation of this kind and helpful service.
BOERICK MD
Cress-Brazilian Cress
Affections of breast, heart, lancinating pains.
With heart symptoms, numbness and pain in left arm, sensation of sinking in pit of stomach.
Left side of head, face, chest, hip to knee, all have lancinating pain.
A streak of pain from the temple to the chin, as if the face were cut with a razor. Burning in throat, roaring in ears. Sensation of a tight girdle around chest, as of a knife piercing the heart. Pain in neck, back, and extremities. Compare: Arnica; Lachesis.
Duckweed
A catarrhal remedy. Acts especially upon the nostrils. Nasal polypi; swollen turbinates. Atrophic rhinitis. Asthma from nasal obstruction; worse in wet weather.
Nose.–Putrid smell; loss of smell. Crusts and muco-purulent discharge very abundant. Post-nasal dropping. Pain like a string from nostrils to ear. Reduces nasal obstruction when it is an œdematous condition. Dryness of naso-pharynx.
Mouth.–Putrid taste on rising in the morning. Dry pharynx and larynx.
Abdomen.–Disposition to noisy diarrhœa.
Modalities.–Worse, in damp, rainy weather, especially heavy rains.
Relationship.–Compare: Dulc (damp surroundings and foggy weather). Calc; Teucr; Calend; Nat sulph.
Dose.–Third to thirtieth potency.
Marsh-Tea
(LEDUM)
Affects especially the rheumatic diathesis, going through all the changes, from functional pain to altered secretions and deposits of solid, earthy matter in the tissues. The Ledum rheumatism begins in feet, and travels upward. It affects also the skin, producing an eruption like Poison-oak, and is antidotal thereto, as well as to stings of insects. There is a general lack of animal heat, and yet heat of bed is intolerable. For punctured wounds, produced by sharp-pointed instruments or bites particularly if the wounded parts are cold, this is the remedy. Tetanus with twitching of muscles near wound.
Head.–Vertigo when walking, with tendency to fall to one side. Distress when head is covered. Nosebleed (Mellilot; Bry).
Eyes.–Aching in eyes. Extravasation of blood in lids, conjunctiva, aqueous or vitreous. Contused wounds. Cataract with gout.
Face.–Red pimples on forehead and cheeks; stinging when touched. Crusty eruption around nose and mouth.
Mouth.–Dry, retching with eructation. Musty taste with catarrhal affection.
Respiratory.–Burning in nose. Cough, with bloody expectoration. Dyspnœa; chest feels constricted. Suffocative arrest of breathing. Pain along trachea. Bronchitis with emphysema of aged. Oppressive constriction of chest. Tickling in larynx; spasmodic cough. Hæmoptysis, alternating with rheumatism. Chest hurts when touched. Whooping-cough; spasmodic, double inspiration with sobbing.
Rectum.–Anal fissures. Hæmorrhoidal pain.
Extremities.–Gouty pains shoot all through the foot and limb, and in joints, but especially small joints. Swollen, hot, pale. Throbbing in right shoulder. Pressure in shoulder, worse motion. Cracking in joints; worse, warmth of bed. Gouty nodosities. Ball of great to swollen (Bothrops). Rheumatism begins in lower limbs and ascends (Kalmia opposite). Ankles swollen. Soles painful, can hardly step on them (Ant c; Lyc). Easy spraining of ankle.
Fever.–Coldness, want of animal heat. Sensation as of cold water over parts; general coldness with heat of face.
Skin.–Acne on forehead, sticking pain therein. Eczema (facial). Itching of feet and ankles; worse, scratching and warmth of bed. Ecchymosis. Long discoloration after injuries. Carbuncles (Anthracin. Tarant cuben). Antidote to Rhus poisoning (Grindel; Cyprip; Anac).
Modalities.–Better, from cold, putting feet in cold water. Worse, at night, and from heat of bed.
Relationship.–Compare: Ledum antidotes spider poisons. Ruta; Ham; Bellis; Arnica.
Dose.–Third to thirtieth potency.
A Phosphorus-containing Complex Organic Body prepared from the yolk of egg and animal brains
(LECITHIN)
Lecithin is important in the vital processes of plant and animal organisms. Lecithin has a favorable influence upon the nutritive condition and especially upon the blood hence its use in anæmia and convalescence, neurasthenia and insomnia. Increasing the number of red corpuscles and amount of hemoglobin. Excellent galactagog, renders milk more nourishing and increases quantity.
Causes an immediate decrease in the excretion of the phosphates. Mental exhaustion and impotency. Tuberculosis, causing marked improvement in nutrition and general improvement. Tired, weak, short breath, loss of flesh; symptoms of general break-down. Sexually weak.
Mind.–Forgetful, dull, confused.
Head.–Aching, especially in occiput-pulsating and ringing in ears. Pain in zygoma; face pale.
Stomach.–Loss of appetite, thirsty, craves wine and coffee; bloated, sore pain in stomach rising toward throat.
Urine.–Scanty, with phosphates, sugar or albumen.
Sexual.–Male power lost or enfeebled. Anaphrodisia and ovarian insufficiency.
Extremities.–Soreness, aching, lack of energy. Tired and weak.
Relationship.–Compare: Phosphor.
Dose.–One-half to 2 grains of crude and potencies. Twelfth potency.
Cherry-laurel
Spasmodic tickling cough, especially in cardiac patients, is often magically influenced by this drug. Lack of reaction, especially in chest and heart affections. Drink rolls audibly through œsophagus and intestines. General coldness, not ameliorated by warmth. Violent pain in stomach with loss of speech. Spasm of facial muscles and œsophagus. Asphyxia neonatorum.
Fever.–Coldness; chills and heat alternate. Thirst, with dry mouth in afternoon.
Respiratory.–Cyanosis and dyspnœa; worse, sitting up. Patient puts hands on heart. Cough, with valvular disease. Exercise causes pain around heart. Tickling, dry cough. Dyspnœa. Constriction of chest. Cough, with copious, jelly-like, or bloody expectoration. Small and feeble pulse. Threatening paralysis of lungs. Gasping for breath; clutches at heart.
Heart.–Mitral regurgitation. Clutching at heart and palpitation. Cyanosis neonatorum.
Sleep.–Spells of deep sleep, with snoring and stertorous breathing.
Extremities.–Toe and finger nails become knotty. Skin blue. Sprained pains in hips, thighs and heels. Cold, clammy feet and legs. Clubbing of fingers. Veins of hands distended.
Relationship.–Compare: Hydrocy ac; Camphor; Secale; Ammon carb; Ambra.
Dose.–Tincture to third potency. Cherry-laurel water, two to five drop doses.
Spider
The bite produces tetanic effects that last several days. A picture of Angina pectoris is presented by the action of the drug. The præcordial region seems to be the center of attack. Constriction of chest muscles, with radiation to shoulders and back. Lowered coagulability.
Head.–Anxiety. Screams with pain. Pain in neck to back of head. Occipital pain.
Respiratory.–Extreme apnœa. Gasping respiration. Fears losing breath.
Chest.–Violent, præcordial pain extending to the axilla and down the arm and forearm to fingers, with numbness of the extremity. Pulse feeble and rapid. Sinking sensation at the Cramping pain from chest to abdomen.
Extremities.–Pain in left arm, feels paralyzed. Weakness of legs followed by cramps in the abdominal muscles. Paræsthesia of lower limbs.
Skin.–Coldness of whole surface. Skin cold as marble.
Relationship.–Compare: Latrodectus Hasselti-New South Wales Black Spider–(Long lasting effects seem to indicate it as a “chronic” blood poisoning. Arrests intense pain in pyæmia. Great œdema in neighborhood of wound; paralysis of limbs, with great wasting of muscles. Violent, darting, burning pains preceding paralysis; vertigo, tendency to fall forward; septicæmic conditions; constant delusion of flying. Loss of memory. Roaring noises). Araena; Mygale; Theridion; Latrodectus Kalipo -New Zealand spider–(lymphangitis and nervous twitchings, scarlet burning eruption). Triatema-Kissing bug –(Swelling with violent itching of fingers and toes. Smothering sensation and difficult breathing succeeded by fainting and rapid pulse).
Dose.–Sixth potency.
Chick-pea
(LATHYRUS)
Affects the lateral and anterior columns of the cord. Does not produce pain. Reflexes always increased. Paralytic affections of lower extremities; spastic paralysis; lateral sclerosis; Beri-beri. Athetosis. Infantile paralysis. After influenza and wasting, exhaustive diseases where there is much weakness and heaviness, slow recovery of nerve power. Sleepy, constant yawning.
Mind.–Depressed; hypochondriacal. Vertigo when standing with eyes closed.
Mouth.–Burning pain in tip of tongue; with tingling and numbness of tongue and lips, as if scalded.
Extremities.–Tips of fingers numb. Tremulous, tottering gait. Excessive rigidity of legs; spastic gait. Knees knock against each other when walking. Cramps in legs worse cold, and cold feet. Cannot extend or cross legs when sitting. Myelitis, with marked spastic symptoms. Rheumatic paralysis. Gluteal muscles and lower limbs emaciated. Legs blue; swollen, if hanging down. Stiffness and lameness of ankles and knees, toe do not leave the floor, heels do not touch floor, Muscles of calves very tense. Patient sits bent forward, straightens with difficulty.
Urine.–Increased bladder reflex. Frequent, must hurry, else voided involuntarily.
Relationship.–Compare: Oxytrop; Secale; Petiveria, a South American plant (Paralysis; paraplegia with numbness. Sensation of internal coldness). Agrostema githago-Corn-cockle –(Burning sensations, in stomach, through œsophagus into throat, in lower abdomen and anus; nausea, bitter vomiting, impaired locomotion; difficulty in remaining erect; vertigo and headache, burning from lower jaw to vertex).
Dose.–Third potency.
Burdock
Very important in skin therapeutics. Eruptions on the head, face, and neck; pimples; acne. Styes and ulcerations on the edge of the eyelids. Profuse and frequent urination. Crops of boils and styes (Anthracin).
Extremities.–Pain in hands, knees, and ankles extending downward to fingers and toes. Pain in all joints. Eruption on extremities.
Female.–Uterine displacements. An exceedingly sore, bruised feeling in uterus, with great relaxation of the vaginal tissues; apparently entire lack of tonicity of pelvic contents. These symptoms all aggravated by standing, walking, a misstep, or sudden jar.
Dose.–Tincture, to third potency.
Silico-fluoride of Calcium
Affections of glands, goitre, pre-ulcerative stage of carcinoma. Burning, stinging pain in breast, stomach, and uterus. Connective tissue about glands specially affected. Fat anæmic babies with Iodine appetite. Ravenous appetite. Remarkably successful in scrofulous affections, except in malarial cases. Uterine carcinoma. Fibroid tumors with intense burning pains through the part with profuse hæmorrhage. Glands have a certain elasticity and pliability about them rather than the stony hardness of Calc fluor and Cistus.
Ears.–Otitis media suppurativa. Where Silica is indicated progress is hastened by Lapis (Bellows).
Chest.–Persistent pains in mammary region. Glandular hardening.
Skin.–Scrofulous abscesses and sores. Enlargement and induration of glands, especially cervical. Lipoma, sarcoma, carcinoma. Pruritus.
Relationship.–Compare: Silica; Badiaga; Ars iod; Calc iod; Con; Kal iod; Asterias.
Dose.–First to sixth potency.
White Nettle
(LAMIUM)
Has a special affinity for female and urinary organs.
Headache, with backward and forward motion of head. Leucorrhœa and menses too early and scanty. Hæmorrhoids; hard stool, with blood. Sensation in urethra as though a drop of water were flowing through it. Tearing in the extremities. Hæmoptysis. Blisters on heel from slight rubbing. Ulcers on heel (Cepa).
Dose.–Third potency.
