Homoeopathic domestic physician : containing the treatment of diseases, popular explanations of anatomy, physiology, hygiene and hydropathy, a treatise on domestic surgery, and an abridged materia medica

Front matter

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ol >'. FIFTH ST." • Olive a l .■, i, ,i ~ IQl'lS.MU,.

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Preface To The Eighth Edition

This present edition contains an article on the diagnosis and treatment of Diphtheria, a disease now so well known by its rapid and fearful ravages, especially among children — or even among adults — if its character and treatment are not well understood.

The author avails himself of this first opportunity of communicating to the non-professional public his ideas about the nature of Diphtheria, and his method of its treatment, as he himself has most successfully tried it for the last three years. No medical work on Domestic Practice has as yet presented a treatise on Diphtheria to the public, who so often rely, by necessity, on such works for instruction and relief in cases of emergency. The medicines necessary for the treatment of Diphtheria are mentioned in this article, and can be had in any wellconducted Homceopatbic Pharmacy. The article itself is placed in front of the book, as the most prominent place for immediate reference.

THE AUTHOK.

Cincinnati, January, 1863.

PREFACES TO THE FIRST AND FOLLOWING EDITIONS.

At this time scarcely one homoeopathic family is without one or more books on Domestic Practice, which is a sufficient evidence of tbeir practical utility. * * * * *

Those unacquainted with the application of water in disease, will find in the treatise on Hydropathy such general explanations as are necessary to guide them ; while under the head of the different diseases in which it may be beneficially applied, the more specific directions will be found following the remedial treatment. * *

In order to discuss more fully the various relations of a sound physical and moral development of Females, together with a more minute description and treatment of their diseases, the Author, to accomplish this highly important object, has since issued a separate work, under the title of " Woman's Medical Guide," intended to be a supplement to his " Domestic Physician."

Table Of Contents

List of Medicines *i*

Introduction « xviii

Science of Medicine ,< 22

CHAPTER I. General Diseases

Rheumatism — Acute — Chronic. Rheumatic pains or cold. Gout. Pains in the small of the Back, Loins and Neck. Pain in the Hip Hip-disease. Inflammation of the Knee-joint. Inflammation of the Psoas-muscle. Cramp in the Legs. Sweating Feet. Goitre. Sleeplessness. Nightmare. Palsy. Delirium Tremens. Epilepsy. St. Vitus's Dance. Tetanus. Trismus. Lockjaw. Somnolency. Lethargy. Fatigue. Overheating and Mental Exhaustion. Fainting. Swooning. Apparent Death from Hunger — from Drowning — from Freezing — Lightning — Hanging — Choking — from Noxious vapors — Fall or Blow — Violent Mental Emotion 45

CHAPTER II. Casual Diseases

I. External Injuries. Fractures of Bones. Dislocation of Joints. Wounds and Bruises. Sprains and Concussions. Burns and Scalds. Poisoned Wounds — Bites and Stings of Insects. Frozen Limbs.

II. Poisons — Antidotes. Animal Poisons. Vegetable Poisons. Mineral Poisons.

III. Medicinal Diseases. List of Drugs causing Diseases, and their Remedies 81

(viii)

TABLE OF CONTENTS. ix

CHAPTER III. Cutaneous Diseases

1. Eruptive Fevers. Rash. Nettle- Rash — Hives. Erysipelas. St. Anthony's Fire. Measles. French Measles. Scarlet Rash. Scarlet Fever. Chicken-Pox. Small-Pox. Varioloid.

2. Chronic Eruptions. Irritation of the Skin — Itching — Pruritus. Chilblains. Excoriations — Intertrigo. Ringworm — Herpes Circinnatus. Tetter — Herpes. Itch — Scabies. Milk-crust — Crusta Lactea. Scald Head — Tinea Capitis. Corns — Indurations of the Skin. Warts — Verrucae. Whitlows. Felons. Panaris. Ulcers. Abscesses. Tu« mors. Swelling of the Glands. Boils — Malignant Boils — Carbuncles. Scirrhus. Cancer 98

CHAPTER 17.

Fevers.

Explanation of the term Fever. Irritative, Inflammatory, Torpid form of Fever. Common or Ephemeral Fever. General Inflammatory Fever. Nervous or Typhoid Fever. Typhus — Different forms of Typhus. Yellow Fever. Bilious Remittent Fever — Gastric Fever — Intermittent Fever — Fever and Ague — Chills and Fever — Febris Intermittens , 140

CHAPTER V. Affections of the Mind

Sudden Emotions. Hypochondria. Hysteria. Melancholia. Mania.171

Chapter VI

Affections of the Head. 1 . Congestion or determination of Blood to the Head — Congestio ad Caput. 2. Vertigo. Giddiness or Dizziness. 3. Weakness of Memory. 4. Apoplexy. 5. Inflammation of the Brain — Inflammation of the Brain in Children. 6. Sunstroke. 7. Headache, a. Headache from Congestion of Blood to the Head. b. Headache from Catarrh and Cold in the Head. c. Headache from Rheumatism, d. Headache from Constipation and Gastric Derangement, e. Headache from External Causes. Sick-Headache. Nervous Headache— Neuralgia in the Head — Megrim. Falling off of the Hair — Allopecia 178

CHAPTER VII. Affections of the Eyes

General Remarks. 1. Inflammation of the Eyelid and its Margins. a Inflammation and Swelling of the Eyelid, b. Inflammation of the

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Margins of the Lids. 2. Inflammation of Eyeball — Ophthalmia. 3. Chronic Inflammation of the Eyes. a. From Gout and Rheumatism. 6. From Scrofula, Scrofulous Sore Eyes. c. From Syphilis or Venereal Disease, d. From abuse of Mercury. 4. Sty on the Eyelid. 5. Weeping or Watery Eyes. 6. Cataract — Glaucoma. 7. Weakness of Sight-— Amblyopia — Blindness — Sudden and Incipient — Amaurosis. 8. Short Sightedness — Myopia. 9. Far Sightedness. 10. Squinting — Strabismus. 11. Falling of the Eyelids — Paralysis. 12. Foreign Substances in the Eye -. . .203

CHAPTER VIII. Affections of the Ears

1. External Ear and its surrounding parts, a. Eruptions and Swelling of the External Ear. b. Mumps — Parotitis. 2. Internal Ear. a. Inflammation of the Ear — Otitis, b. Earache — Otalgia, c. Humming, Buzzing of the Ears. d. Hardness of Hearing — Deafness, e. Running of the Ears — Otorrhea, f. Polypus of the Ear. g. Foreign Substances in the Ear 215

Chapter IX

Affections of the Nose. 1. Inflammation or Swelling of. the Nose. 2. Eruptions on the Nose — Itching of the Nose. a. Eruptions on the Nose. 6. Itching of the Nose. 3. Bleeding of the Nose — Epistaxis. 4. Cold in the Head — Coryza — Suppression of the Catarrh, or Cold in the Head. 5. Ulceration in the Nose — Catarrh — Ozzena Nariurn. a. Ozsena Narium — Catarrh. 6. Ozaena Antri Highmori. 6. Polypus of the Nose. Cancer of the Nose. 7. Foreign Substances in the Nose 225

Chapter X

Affections of the Face, Lips, and Jaws. 1. Inflammation and Swelling of the Face. a. Erysipelas of Face and Lips. 6. Swelling of the Cheek. 2. Eruptions of the Face. 3. Face-ache — Neuralgia of the Face — Prosopalgia — Tic Douloureux. 4. Warts and Spots on the Face — Cancer of the Face. 5. Paralysis of the Face and Jaw. 6. Lockjaw 236

CHAPTER XI. Affections of the Teeth, Gums, and Mouth

1. Toothache— Odontalgia. 2. Caries of the Teeth. Carious Teeth

3. Offensive Breath. 4. Bad taste in the Mouth. 5. Inflammation

and Swelling of the Tongue— Glossitis. 6. Canker of the Mouth—

TABLE OF CONTENTS. XI

Stomacace. 7. Inflammation of the Palate. 8. Abscess in the Gums — Gum-boils — Swelling of the Jaw Bone. 9. Scurvy — Scorbutus. 10. Salivation — Ptyalism. 11. Paralysis of the Tongue. 12. Difficulty of Speecli — Stammering. 13. Ranula, or Swelling under the Tongue. .242

CHAPTER XII. Affections of the Throat

Sore Throat — Quinsy — Angina Faucium. a. Common Sore Throat. 6. Ulcerated and Putrid Sore Throat — Malignant Quinsy — Angina Gangrenosa. Inflammation and Swelling of the Tonsils — Amygdalitis. Swelling or Elongation of the Palate 261

Chapter XIII

Affections of the Windpipe and Chest. 1. Hoarseness — Raucitas — Aphonia, a. Acute Hoarseness. b Chronic Hoarseness. 2. Ulceration of the "Windpipe — Bronchitis. 3 Croup and Croupy Cough. 4. Influenza. 5. Cough — Hooping-Cough — Tussis Convulsiva. Inflammation of the Lungs — Pneumonia. Pneumonia in Old People — Pneumonia Notha. Remarks on Pneumonia. Pleurisy, a. Real Pleurisy, b. False Pleurisy — Stitch in the Side. Diseases of the Heart, a. Inflammation of the Heart. Corditis. b Palpitation of the Heart. Rheumatism of the Heart. Congestion of the Chest — Plethora Pectoris. Hemorrhage of the Lungs — Haemoptysis. Asthma. Asthma of Millar. Dropsy in the Chest — Hydrothorax. Pulmonary Consumption — Phthisis Pulmonalis. Contusion of the Chest by a Fall or Blow 271

Chapter XIV

Affections of the Stomach and Bowels. 1. Want of Appetite — Anorexia. 2. Morbid Appetite — Bulimy. 3. Dyspepsia — Weak Stomach. 4. Waterbrash — Heartburn — Indigestion — Flatulency — Sour Stomach — Pyrosis. 5. Biliousness — Gastric Derangement. Nausea — Vomiting. Sea-Sickness — Spasms and Pain in the Stomach — Cardialgia — Neuralgia of the Stomach. Griping Colic— Enteralgia — Stomach-ache. Congestion and Stagnation of Blood in the Abdomen. Inflammation of the Diaphragm — Diaphragmitis. Abdominal P iiammation. 1. Inflammation of the Stomach — Gastritis. 2. Inflammation of the Bowels — Enteritis. Inflammation of the Liver — Hepatitis. Jaundice. Tetanus. Inflammation of the Spleen — Splenitis. Worms. Diseases caused by the Presence of Worms. Constipation— Costiveness. Diarrhea — Looseness of the Bowels. Dysentery— Bloody

Xll TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Flux. Cholera Morbus. Asiatic Cholera — Cholera Asiatica. Tribute to the Memory of Hahnemann. Cholerina. Piles — Hemorrhoids. Itching of the Anus. Prolapsus Ani. Rupture — Hernia. Dropsy of the Abdomen — Ascites. External Injuries of the Abdomen 32?

Chapter XV

Affections of the Urinary and Genital Organs. Inflammation of the Kidneys — Nephritis. Inflammation of the Bladder— Cystitis. Strangury. Dysury. Ischury. Anury. Incontinence of Urine — Eneuresis. Diabetes. Piles of the Bladder. Polypus of the Bladder. Gravel and Stone in the Bladder — Calculus. Hemorrhage with the Urine — Hsematuria — Mictus Cruentus. Affections of the Penis. Affections of the Testicles. Seminal Weakness — Onania. Eruptions of the Genital Organs. Syphilis. Gonorrhea, a. Syphilis —

Chancre, b. Gonorrhea — Clap — Gleet „ 418

Chapter XVI

Diseases of Females. 1. Menstruation. First Menses Obstructed — Tardy Menstruation. Chlorosis — Green Disease. Suppression of the Menses. Painful Menstruation. Menstruation too Early. Menstruation too Late and too Scanty.. Menstruation too Copious — Flooding. Menstruation of too Long Duration. Critical Period. Cessation of the Menses — Change of Life. Prolapsus Uteri — Falling of the Womb. Leucorrhea — Fluor Albus — Whites. Deviation of Menses. Pregnancy — Signs — Progress — Exercise — Dress — Periods — Diseases. Morning Sickness — Pruritus — Itching — Varicose Veins. Spots on the Face. Plethora. Congestion. Fever. Hemorrhages. Hemorrhoids — Piles. Swelling of the Feet Toothache. Salivation. Derangement of Appetite. Diarrhea. Constipation. Dyspepsia — Heart-burn — Acid Stomach. Difficulty of Swallowing. Spasms. Colic — Strangury. Incontinence of Urine. Jaundice. Pain in the Right Side. Asthma. Vertigo. Neuralgia. Puerperal Convulsions. Miscarriage. Parturition. Regular Birth. Labor. Labor-pains. Cramps — Spasms. Child's Water. Delivery. After-birth. Flooding. After-pains. Confinement. Lochia. Milk-fever. Qualities of the Milk. Suppression. Sore Nipples. Ague in the Breast. Gathered Breast. Childbed Fever. Milk Leg. Nursing. Wet Nurse. Weaning. Sore Mouth. General Complaints. Irrita. ^ Uterus 43i

CHAPTER XVII. Treatment of Children

Apparent Death of a New-born Infant — Asphyxia. Diet of a New-

TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xlll

born Infant. Colic — Crying of Infants. Elongation of the Head — Snuffles — Obstruction of the Nose — Coryza. Swelling, of the Breasts in Infants. Restlessness — Sleeplessness. Inflammation of the Eyes, Thrush, or Sore Mouth of Infants — Aphthae. Heat — Red Gum — Heat Spots. Excoriations — Rawness of the Skin. Jaundice. Erysipelas. Convulsions, or Spasms. Teething — Dentition. Constipation. Diarrhea. Fevers. Dropsy of the Brain — Hydrocephalus. Asthma — Choking Fits — Asthma Millari. Remittent Fever of Infants. Vaccination. Cholera Infantum. Summer Complaint. Softening of the Stomach — Gastro-Malacia 520

Part II

I. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY.

Structure Of the Human Organism. Elements of the Human Organism. Anatomy of the Bones. Physiology of the Bones. The Muscles. The Teeth. Digestive Organs. The Urinary System. The Respiratory and Circulatory Organs. The Nervous System. The Skin.... 551

II. DOMESTIC SURGERY.

Surgical Appliances, a. Poultices, b. Fomentations, c. Plasters. d. Rollers and Bandages, e. Splints. Accidents. Fractures of Bones — of Nose — Lower Jaw — Collar Bone — Ribs — Arm — Fingers, Thigh, Leg, Foot and Toes. Compound Fractures. Dislocation — of the Jaw — Neck— Shoulder— Wrist — Ankle 587

III. HYGIENE AND HYDROPATHY.

Hygiene. Food and Drink. Sleep. Air and Exercise. Clothing, and Occupation. Hydropathy. Diseases in which to apply it. Different Modes of applying the Cold Water. 1. Ablutions. 2. Shower-Baths. 3. Partial or Half-Baths. 4. Full-Baths. 5. General Plunging-Baths. 6. Local-Baths. 7. Head-Baths. 8. Sitting-baths — Sitz-Baths. 9. Foot-Baths. 10. The Drop-Bath. 11. The Douche. 12. Local Applications (Umschlage). Wet Bandages. 13. Applications round one-half the Body— Wet Linen Sheets. 14. Sweating 609

IV. MATERIA MEDICA 653

Glossary 698

Index 707

LIST OF MEDICINES.

THEIR SYNONYMS AND ANTIDOTES.

1. Aconite. Aconitum Napellus (plant). Antidotes — Camphor, Nux

vom., Wine, Vinegar.

2. Antimonium crud. Antimony (mineral). Antidotes — Heparsulph.,

Mercury, Pulsatilla.

3. Apis Mellifica. Poison of honey-bee. Antidotes — Ars., Canth.

4. Arnica. Arnica montana (plant) . Antidotes — Camphor, Ignatia,

Ipecac.

5. Arsenic. Arsenicum album (mineral). Antidotes — For poisoning

with it : rust of iron. For its dynamic effects : China, Hepar Sulph., Ipecac, Nux vom., Veratrum.

6. Aurum. Aurum metallicum. Gold. (Metal). Antidotes — Bella-

donna, China, Cuprum, Mercury.

7. Belladonna. Deadly nightshade (plant). Antidotes — Coffea, Hyo-

scyamus, Hepar sulph., Pulsatilla.

8. Belladonna" . Is the two hundredth potency of Belladonna.

9. Bryonia. Bryonia alba (plant). Antidotes — Aconite, Chamomile,

Ignatia, Nux vomica.

10. Calcarea Careonica. Carbonate of lime. Antidotes — Camphor,

Nitric acid, Sulphur.

11. Camphora. Camphor. Antidotes — Opium, Nitri spiritus.

12. Cantharis. Spanish fly (animal). Antidote — Camphor.

13. Capsicum. Spanish pepper (vegetable). Antidote — Camphor.

14. Carbo veg. Car bo vegetabiiis. Wood charcoal. Antidotes —

Arsenic, Camphor, Lachesis.

15. Causticum. Caustic of the alkalies. Antidotes — Coffea, Colocynth,

Nux vomica.

16. Cedron. Cedron (plant). Antidotes — Arsenic, Bellad., Lachesis.

17. Chamomile. Chamomilla (plant). Antidotes — Aconite, Cocculus,

Coffea, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla.

18. Chelidonium. (Majus). Great Celandoine (veget.) Antidote—-

Camphor.

19. China. Cinchona. Peruvian-bark (vegetable). Antidote*— Arnica,

Arsenic, Belladonna, Calcarea carb., Carbo veg., Ipecac, Sulph.

xiv

LIST OF MEDICINES. XV

20. Cina. Worm seed (vegetable). Antidotes — Ipecac, Veratrum.

21. Cinac° . Is the two hundredth potency of Cina.

22. Cocculus. Indian berries. Coccle (vegetable). Antidotes — Cam-

phor, Nux vomica.

23. Coffea. Coffee berries (vegetable). Antidotes — Aconite, Chamo-

mile, Nux vomica.

24. Coffea0" . Is the two hundredth potency of Coffea.

25. Colchicum. Meadow Saffron (plant). Antidotes — Nux vomica,

Cocculus, Pulsatilla.

26. Colocynthis. Colocynth (vegetable). Antidotes — Camphor, Caus

ticum, Coffea, Chamomile.

27. Conium. Hemlock (vegetable). Antidotes — Coffea, Spiritus Nitri.

28. Crocus. Saffron (vegetable). Antidote — Opium.

29. CurRuar. Cuprum metallicum. Copper (metal). Antidotes — Bel-

ladonna, China, Ipecac, Mercury, Nux vomica.

30. Drosera. Round-leaved Sun Dew (vegetable). Antidote — Camphor.

31. Dulcamara. Bitter Sweet. Woody nightshade (plant). Anti-

dotes— Camphor, Ipecac, Mercurius.

32. Euphrasia. Eye Bright (plant). Antidote — Pulsatilla.

33. Ferrum. Ferrum metallicum. Iron (metal) . Antidotes — Arnica,

Arsenic, Belladonna, Ipecac, Mercury, Pulsatilla.

34. Graphites. Plumbago. Pure Black Lead (metal). Antidotes —

Arsenic, Nux vomica, Wine.

35. Helleborus (niger). Black Hellebore (plant). Antidotes — Cam-

phor, China.

36. Hepar Sulphuris. Sulphuret of Lime. Antidotes — Vinegar, Bellad.

37. Hyoscyamus (niger). Henbane (plant). Antidotes — Belladonna,

Camphor, China.

38. Ignatia. St. Ignatius' Bean (vegetable). Antidotes — Pulsatilla,

Chamomile, Cocculus, Arnica, Camphor, Vinegar.

39. Iodine. Iodium. Antidotes — Arsenic, Camph., Coffea, Phos., Sulph.

40. Ipecac. Ipecacuanha (veg„°t). Antidotes — Arnica, Arsenic, China.

41. Jat.apa. Jalap (vegetable). Antidote — Camphor.

42. Kali hydriodicum. Hydriodate of Potassa (mineral).

43. Lachesis. Poison of the Lance-headed Serpent (animal). Anti-

dotes— Arsenic, Belladonna, Nux vomica, Rhus tox.

44. Ledum (palustre). Marsh- tea (vegetable). Antidote — Camphor.

Camphor, Pulsatilla.

46. Mercurius (vivus). Quicksilver (mineral). Antidotes — Arnica,

Belladonna, Camphor, Hepar sulph., Iodine, Lachesis, Sulphur

XVI LIST OF MEDICINES.

47. Muriatic Acid. Acidum muriatic (mineral) . Antidotes — Camphor,

Bryonia.

48. Natrum muriaticum. Muriate of Soda (mineral). Antidotes —

Arsenic, Camphor, Nitri spiritus.

49. Nitri acidum. Nitric acid (a mineral acid). Antidotes — Calcarea

carb., Conium, Camphor, Heparsulph., Sulphur.

50. Nux vomica. Nux vomica (vegetable) . Antidotes — Aconite, Cam-

phor, Coffea, Pulsatilla.

51. Opium. White Poppy (vegetable). Antidotes— Camphor, Coffea,

Calcarea carb., Hepar sulph., Sulphur.

52. Petroleum. Rock Oil (mineral oil) Antidote-Aconite, Nux

vomica, Cocculus.

53. Phosphorus. Phosphor (mineral). Antidote— Camphor, Coffea,

Nux vomica.

54. Phosphori acidum. Phosphoric acid (a mineral acid). Antidotes—

Camphor, Coffea.

55. Platina. (Metal). Antidotes— Pulsatilla, Belladonna.

56. Pulsatilla. Meadow Anemone (vegetable). Antidote— Chamo-

mile, Coffea, Ignatia, Nux vomica.

57. Rheum. Bhubarb (veget). Antidotes— Camph., Cham., Nux vom.

58. Rhus toxicodendron. Rhus. Sumach. Poison Oak (vegetable).

Antidotes— Belladonna, Bryonia, Camphor, Coffea, Sulphur.

59. Sambucus (ntger). Alder (vegetable). Antidote— Arsenic, Camph.

60. Sanguinaria (Canadensis). Common Blood Root.

61. Secale (Cornutum). Ergot of Rye (vegetable). Antidote— Cam-

phor, Opium.

62. Sepia. Inky juice of the Cuttle-fish (animal). Antidote— Aconite,

Spiritus nitri, Vinegar.

63. Silicea. Silicious Earth (mineral). Antidote— Cam-ph., Hepar sulph.

64. Spigelia (anthelmintica). Indian Pink (vegetable). Antidotes—

Camphor, Aurum.

65. Spongia. (Marina Tosta). Burnt Sponge. Antidote— Camphor.

66. Stannum. Pure tin (metal). Antidote— Coffea, Pulsatilla.

67. Staphysagria. Stavesacre (vegetable). Antidote— Camphor.

68. Stramonium. Thorn-apple. Gympsum weed (vegetable). Anti-

dotes — Belladonna, Nux vomica.

69. Sulphur. (mineral). Antidotes— Aconite, Camphor, Mercury,

Nux vomica, Pulsatilla.

70. Sulphuric acid. Oil of Vitriol (a mineral acid). Antidote— Pulsat

71. Tartar Emetic (stibium). Tartarized Antimony (mineral). An-

tidotes— Cocculus, Ipecac, Pulsatilla.

LIST OF MEDICINES. XVli

Camphor, Pulsatilla.

73. Veratrum (album). White Hellebore (vegetable). Antidotes — Ipe-

cac, Arsenic, Camphor, Coffea, Aconite, China.

TINCTURES.

1. Arnica, Tincture. 3. Ruta, Tincture.

2. Calendula, Tincture. 4. Urtioa Urens, Tincture. Directions. — The use of these tinctures is specially referred to in

the book whenever needed. Here we only mention their general application.

Arnica for bruises, contusions, contused wounds, fractures of bones, stings of insects, corns, etc.

Calendula for lacerated wounds.

Ruta, in chronic affections from contusions, after Arnica has been used.

Urtica Urens for burns.

They are intended for -external use only. In preparing them for this purpose, put from four to ten drops in a teacupful of pure water ; mix well, and wash with it, or lay cloths, dipped in the mixture, on the parts affected.

NOTICE TO HOMOEOPATHIC PHARMACEUTISTS.

It will be observed that in this " Domestic Physician," Coffea, Belladonna and Cina, are used in two preparations — the third and the two hundredth. The latter has •", attached to it, as Belladonna cc, showing, in the Roman numerals, the potency. It is expected that the preparations of these latter for the boxes are made in the greatest purity and genuineness. They can be procured all ready in every large city of the Union.

The potencies of all the other remedies are designed for those from the mineral and animal kingdom in the sixth, and for those from the vegetable kingdom in the third potency. The tinctures mentioned in the " List of Medicines" should accompany the boxes.

^^■Special Notice for this Edition ,^gf

Homoeopathic Pharmaceutists will please observe, that in the "List of Medicines," several, contained in former editions, have been omitted, while new ones were introduced, one more in number than heretofore. Tabacum and Aloes are left out ; Chelidonium, Cedron, second dilution, and Ledum have been added. Calendula tincture has taken the place of Symphytum, omitted.

Introduction

To aid in the search for the proper place in the work, where a disease may be found, its different popular names have always been given, and carefully recorded in the index. Should, however, the identification of a disease te difficult or doubtful, it is only necessary to refer, in the book, to the divisions made as to the parts of the system which are affected, such as "Affections of the Head, Chest," etc., where all the ailments of these parts are generally put together. But there will scarcely ever arise a difficulty in this respect; the index has been made very complete, in view of saving the reader time and unnecessary vexation.

If a disease is found, it is expected that everything will first be read which is said concerning it in the article, before a selection of a remedy is made ; at the end of each article, the proper direction as to administration, diet, and regimen, is given. Wherever the attention is directed to the perusal of the Materia Medica, in treating on certain remedies, the medicine in question must be looked for in the Materia Medica, and its symptoms carefully compared with those of the patient. If in the directions for diet the reader is advised to adhere to the usual homoeopathic diet in chronic diseases, etc., he will find its rules specified in the following pages, under "Dietetic Rules."

It is necessary to give an explanation in regard to several remedies, whose names will be found different in this work from those used in other similar works. Of the various pre- (xviii)

INTRODUCTION. XIX parations of Mercury, only one kind has been used, and whenever this is mentioned, under the name of Mercury, the Mercurius vivus is understood by it. This was done for the sake of not unnecessarily confusing the reader with two different names for mercurial preparations, which are essentially the same in their effects and use. On that account the Mercurius sublimat. has been left out entirely. Its use is, at any rate, confined to one disease only (the dysentery), in the treatment of which the Mercurius vivus supplies its place completely.

On the other hand, three remedies, Coffea, Belladonna, and Cina, appear in two different preparations in the book, the one commonly used bearing the simple name, while the twohundredth potency of these remedies has a cc attached to them, showing in the Roman numerals the degree of potency. Although a great many more remedies could have been treated in the same manner, it was not thought advisable to burden the book with more therapeutical detail, as it might interfere with its other simple and practical arrangements. These three remedies, however, in their higher potencies, seemed to be almost indispensable, in a useful work of this kind, as their effects, when properly indicated, cannot well be produced by their lower attenuations. We invite particular attention to the use of Cinacc>, in the nervous worm symptoms, so frequently experienced in children, in nightly attacks, which quickly disappear after the exhibition of one or two doses of Cinacc-. Every homoeopathic practitioner can soon satisfy himself in regard to the efficiency of the highest potencies, by making the above trial.

In regard to our views on the preference of higher or lower attenuations, we would remark, that we consider homoeopathically legitimate and practically useful, all potencies, from the mother tincture and first trituration up to the highest dilution, but that we do not use one exclusively or all indiscriminately- Practical observation and theoretical researches have guided

XX INTRODUCTION.

us in applying the various attenuations with real benefit, which is not so difficult as many practitioners might believe. There are principles according to which the different potencies of a remedy must be applied in different cases. But to enlarge upon this subject here, would carry us too far ; we content ourselves by remarking that, for a domestic familychest, we would propose, as a general rule, the third potency for all vegetable medicines, and the sixth potency for all mineral and animal medicines. If this rule was once adopted by all writers on homoeopathic domestic practice, their several works might be used with benefit without subjecting the public to additional expense in procuring different medicine-chests for the works of different authors.

For a successful treatment of diseases, everything depends, after the selection of the right, or most homoeopathic remedy, on the genuineness of its preparation. We would, therefore, advise our readers to procure their medicine-chests from persons whose competency or recommendations can be relied on ; and when in their possession, to take good care of them. The vials must not be opened except when used ; each vial must receive its own cork again, and no odorous medicinal substances must be allowed to be nearby, when a vial is opened or medicine is taken. If a remedy is prescribed to be taken in water, a clean cup or tumbler must be selected, the pre. scribed quantity of water, either rain or river water poured in, then the medicine added, and, during its solution, well mixed with a clean teaspoon, and afterward covered well. If more medicines than one are prescribed at a time, in water, each one must be dissolved separately in a teacup, and each one receive its own separate teaspoon, which must not be changed during the administration of the medicine.

If a vial is empty, it is indispensably necessary, before refilling it, to cleanse it first thoroughly with warm water and dry it perfectly on a stove or in the sun, before the homoeopathic apothecary is allowed to fill it. Persons ought tit

INTRODUCTION. XXI attend to this scrupulously themselves, before presenting them for refilling ; because much depends on it, as regards the genuineness of the medicines.

The medicines should be kept in a dry place, where no odors can reach them. A renewal of their strength, if well kept, is not necessary for years ; but if the slightest doubt in this respect should arise, it is better to have it renewed.

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THE SCIENCE OF MEDICINE.

There is a striking similarity in the process of development in the different sciences, which have sprung into life by the unceasing efforts of the human mind. Even if the tendencies are ever so various, they bear to each other in the process of development a striking resemblance, exhibiting in that respect a unity of origin and growth in the moral and intellectual sphere analogous to the one, we find in the physical world which is governed by few, but universal laws.

The reason for this singular coincidence, will be found in the identity of their fundamental structures, resting alike upon truth, order and harmony.

The physical world, as well as the moral, are reared upon this same foundation, extending as it does throughout the Universe, as far and deep as our eyes with telescope and microscope can penetrate, or our minds in furthest reaching thought can carry us.

Truth, order and harmony prevail every where in the physical world ; where we don't find them, we may be certain that the fault lies in a deficiency of knowledge or perception on our part. Our duty, therefore, is still to pursue our investigations until we have found the sacred trio, and thus have obtained a revelation of new glories.

In the moral and intellectual sphere, the same obstacles are encountered and the same glorious results are obtained.

Politics for instance, before it could be called a science, had to struggle for thousands of years, during which immense lapse of time, the whole human race had been engaged (22)

in its construction, without any apparent progress or even hope of final success. From the earliest dawn of history to the glorious morning of the Fourth of July '76, man had spent his moral, intellectual and physical strength to solve this one scientific problem; in the political histories of an hundred powerful nations, whose life and action fill this mighty chasm of time, nothing is presented to the scrutinizing eye but one continued, awful and sublime struggle after that divine trio of political science, truth, order and harmony. What an immense expense of human action, thought and suffering during these thousands of years, was necessary to produce that wonderful combination of truth, order and harmony, as presented to us in that small document, the "Declaration of Independence." Consider for a moment, that four thousand years of political suffering and struggle had to prepare the human mind for the scientific and right solution of this subject. Kingdoms and vast empires were raised and destroyed, great heroes fought and perished, giant minds, such as the world never has seen since, contributed their energies and suffering ; still politics remained a chaotic field of unsuccessful experiments; it had not become a science because truth, order and harmony were still wanting ; yet, these four thousand years were not spent in vain ; without their experience and lessons, the Fourth of July, '76, never could have dawned. But as soon as the political rights of man were fully understood, boldly declared, and successfully maintained, the chaotic mass of historical data, during the preceding centuries, began to range itself intelligibly ; political truth became self-evident, and with order in its train, proved itself to be in perfect harmony with other truths, revealed and natural.

To show the immense difference between old and new politics (as we term, for convenience sake, all foreign in opposition to American politics) let us examine for a moment their workings in the art or method of colonization, which is a part of political economy.

The Phoenician colonized, but his aim in doing so was not strictly political ; it was as yet merely commercial. The Greeks succeeded in founding colonies, but could not retain them. Eome forced her colonies upon near and distant countries, but was obliged to exhaust her power in keeping them in submission, and thus to hasten her own downfall. Spain colonized, until she herself became poor, miserable and despised. England founded colonies more easily than any power previously, yet when compared with the rapidity of American colonization, its efforts sink into utter insignificance. The political organization of an English colony is unwieldy and heavy, and can not, therefore, increase with great rapidity in wealth and population. The American system, however, allows of the quickest and most harmonious development of all nationalities and individualities, the colony herself becoming an integral portion of the nation. A State springs up as by magic, perfect in all its parts; it grows rapidly, and, in a short time, has gained a power and energy not possessed frequently by States of the growth of centuries. Such is the difference between scientific and chaotic politics.

The same development of truth, order and harmony prevails in the moral and religious sphere of the human mind, after it has wrung itself out of a chaotic state of confusion into that of law and principle. Here, where even the Divine light of revelation had been shed for thousands of years, and the most glorious intellects had striven to find the truth, it remained weak and misunderstood, until the days of Luther and the reformers. Then at once, and with tremendous power, did it penetrate the old chaotic mass, organizing and giving life as it advanced.