The stepping-stone to homœopathy and health

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Preface

TO THE SECOND AMERICAN EDITION.

No apology is needed in bringing before the people of this country a second edition of one of Dr. Ruddock's best works.

Of books on Domestic Medicine there is, to be sure, no lack, and of good books of this kind there are many; but the wonderful popularity of Dr. Ruddock's works could not have been attained had they not possessed superior excellence as books for the people ; and of them all, " The Stepping- Stone" seems to have been the greatest success. Its comprehensiveness, conciseness, and practical character in all its instructions for medical treatment of the sick ; together with the great amount of general information and common sense in the use of it, which are exhibited in the hints on diet, hygiene, and kindred physiological subjects, place the work far in advance of any other of its size and scope. At the time of this writing, over 80,000 copies of the book have been sold, and the demand is not lessened.

The first American edition of this work had hardly made its way into favor during the first few months after its issue, and the book was just beginning to become known and appreciated in this country, when " the great fire " came and destroyed all the printed copies in the publisher's hands and the plates from which they were printed. In the weeks following the fire — as soon as the supply of the book in the hands of the different book dealers was exhausted — the demand from booksellers and from the public generally showed that no other book could take its place, and that there was no alternative but to issue a new edition as quickly as possible. Therefore, as soon as I could get my wits together, and

4 Preface.

settle down, after 4 ' the burning," I was called upon to prepare an edition for the press, and the result follows this preface.

I have taken Dr. Ruddock's latest English edition, have added some new chapters, and such notes and suggestions as would seem of value ; and here and there have made such modifications in the instructions given by the author as would better fit the book for use in this country.

The general plan of the work — the arrangement of sections and chapters — is similar to that of the previous edition ; as it seems to me preferable to that adopted by the author in the edition which we, in other respects, copy after. ■ *

I finish my task with the pleasant thought that the American edition of " The Stepping-Stone " will prove a blessing to the many families who will consult its pages in sickness and in health.

The American Editor.

Chicago, May I, 1872.

PREFACE

TO THE SEVENTH LONDON EDITION.

In issuing the Seventh Edition of this manual, completing sixty thousand copies, the author has again endeavored to express his gratification at the wide appreciation of his humble efforts to extend Homoeopathy, by embodying some of the results of his enlarged experience during the twelve years that have elapsed since the first edition of this book was published, maintaining it on a level with the progressive character of Homoeopathy and medical science in general, and presenting a longer list of complaints, with ampler treatment, than is included in any similar work with which he is acquainted. The present edition has been re-arranged and revised throughout, and, besides fresh matter of a practical character inserted in many parts, the list of remedies in the Materia Medica has been considerably extended, and now contains brief summaries of forty of our most valuable remedies. Selections from the new American remedies are embodied in the list, and are repeatedly prescribed in the manual.

DOMESTIC HOMOEOPATHY.

The profession of medicine cannot in this age of progress be treated as a mystery. The aim of the enlightened physician is to make its principles as extensively known as possible, conscious that thereby the greatest amount of good will accrue both to the profession and the public. Still the objection is often urged that domestic medical books trench on the legitimate sphere of the profession, and are dangerous in their tendency. Neither objection is valid. Drugs are employed in nearly every household — anti-

6 Preface.

bilious pills, Epso?n salts, rhubarb, sulphur, magnesia, quinine, etc. We are not, therefore, responsible as originators of domestic treatment ; we have rather sought to reform it, by substituting remedies and measures, the virtue of which is that they are not only more harmless, but very much more efficacious than those ordinarily adopted. Departures from health, of a simple and uncomplicated nature, may often be arrested at their outset by carrying out instructions like those contained in the following pages, but which, if neglected till the symptoms assumed forms which seemed to justify the consultation of a medical man, might become converted into serious and even fatal diseases.

JUSTIFICATION.

A fact which specially justifies the composition of this manual is the necessity of meeting, as far as possible, the requirements of persons residing in localities where professional Homoeopathic treatment is inaccessible. An extensive correspondence with persons in various and remote parts of the country, convinces the Author of the importance of making some provision for patients so circumstanced ; at least, till professional men generally have been led to the study and practice of the discoveries of the illustrious Hahnemann.

ADVANTAGES OF PROFESSIONAL TREATMENT.

While making these statements, it is our duty to recommend that in every serious or dotibtful case, or when the treatment herein prescribed is insufficient to effect improvement in a reasonable time, a Homoeopathic practitioner should be consulted. The vast and ever-accumulating resources at the disposal of a professional Homoeopath, of which this little manual represents but an inconsiderable fraction, places him on high vantage ground compared with a domestic practitioner. Cases are of daily occurrence in which it is impossible to act in the best manner without an acquaintance with anatomy, physiology, etc. Apparently trifling symptoms which escape the non-professional observer, clever though he may be, immediately attract the attention of the informed eye and ear of the physician, and put him on the alert for further discovery. In-

Preface, 7

deed, whenever it is practicable, every departure from health should be watched and treated by a Homoeopathic physician,

PROGRESS AND OPPOSITION.

In this age of scientific progress it is gratifying to observe that medicine, instead of being in the rear, is advancing to the front ranks, and that Homoeopathy is in the van-guard of medical advancement. This is proved by its rapid spread, and by its powerful, though indirect influence on medical and surgical practice generally, causing it to do homage to the instincts of humanity, and banishing every measure or drug that is harsh and destructive. It may be satisfactory to the friends of this system to know that hostile resistance to Homoeopathy comes exclusively from persons ignorant of its principles, or inexperienced in its actual results. Its bitterest calumniators, it is believed, have never studied it or tried it fairly. It may be confidently stated that the great majority of medical men if not all out of the ranks of Homoeopathy, are completely in the dark as to its theory and practice and are consequently incompetent to give a reliable opinion on the subject ; just as the driver of a stage coach, or the commander of a sailingvessel, lacks the knowledge and experience to pronounce on the merits of railways or steamers, although all alike are for the transit of passengers and merchandise. With a confidence, therefore, which a knowledge of, and experience in, both the old and new modes of treatment, can alone impart, the Author recommends a trial of Homoeopathy. Let a dozen cases be taken, the symptoms carefully noted, and the treatment herein prescribed faithfully carried out, and the results will be so marked that conversion may be confidently predicted.

CORRESPONDENTS.

Since the publication of the six former editions of this manual, the writer has received numerous letters from correspondents who have been won over to Homoeopathy by its instrumentality, and are carrying out its various prescriptions with striking and gratifying success. He has been much cheered by such unsolicited statements, and takes this opportunity of offering his acknowledgments for the kindness which dictated the communications referred

8 Preface.

to. At the same time, he would suggest that, to meet the ignorance and prejudice which still oppose the spread of Homoeopathy, the friends of the system will kindly seek to enlarge its usefulness by promoting in various ways the circulation of this book among all classes of the community. Let the manual be read, and its prescriptions fairly tried, and we fear not the result.

IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH.

The design of this manual is to point out some of the means by which much human suffering may be prevented, bodily functions preserved unimpaired, and life prolonged to the full period of man's existence. The importance of the subject will be obvious when it is considered how inconsistent physical incapacity and suffering are with moral well-being. When the habits and circumstances of man are inimical to good health, he sinks in all the capacities of his nature. The application, therefore, of means for guarding or restoring the health of the body, provides for the exercise of the intellectual and moral powers in their highest state of perfection. There may be moral benefits and opportunities consequent on weakness and disease ; but who can doubt that those attendant on health and vigor are far greater ? Impaired health is a moral as well as a physical disadvantage. Reason asserts this, and experience confirms it. Who has not learned that an important way of 44 keeping the body in subjection, " is to keep it free from the uneasy sensations and disabilities that accompany ill health ? If this be so, it places the highest value upon the perfection of our bodily organs, and stamps that profession, whose duty it is to promote 44 the glory of the Creator and the relief of man's estate," as one of the very highest that can be exercised by man. From such a standpoint, we see in every disease cured, the removal of a blot which marred the image of God's noblest work, and new power given to brighten and lengthen man's earthly life. Thus, alleviating human suffering, and so allowing the fullest exercise of man's higher nature, we are permitted to be humble followers of Him who 44 healed all manner of diseases," and whose wonderful and beneficent life has been embodied in the simple phrase, 4< He went about doing good." E. H. RUDDOCK.

HINTS TO THE READER.

I. The novice in Homoeopathy should first make himself familiar with the introductory chapters.

II. When the work is consulted for the treatment of any particular disease, the whole section devoted to it should be read before deciding on the course to be taken ; and if difficulty is experienced in choosing from different medicines, the Materia Medica should

, be referred to, and an endeavor made to grasp the essential features peculiar to each remedy,

III. Persons desirous of being able to act wisely and promptly in any emergency, for the prevention or removal of suffering, should read this manual through. The body of the work, Part II., is devoted to diseases and their treatment - ; Part III., to Materia Medica. Both should be studied carefully.

IV. Readers desirous of a more ample work, are respectfully referred to " The Vade Mecu?n of Modern Medicine and Surgery '." An attentive study of that work will give a tolerably broad knowledge of general disease, and a measure of skill in the use of many valuable remedial agents. The " Vade Mecw?i " will thus form a useful, if not an indispensable, companion to " The Stepping- Stone!'

V. When medical terms are used, they are either explained in the text, or the meaning is appended to the words which seem to require explanation as they occur in the INDEX and in the Clinical Directory at the end of the manual. This Index is very copious, and every point of importance may be found by it. Reference is further made easy by division of the work into parts, chapters, and sections, and by a table of contents at the commencement.

VI. A " Clinical Directory " is inserted, which, it is hoped, will io Hints to the Reader.

be found of great use to those who have attentively studied disease and Materia Medica. It contains prescriptions for about five hundred diseases and symptoms, many of which, and of the remedies prescribed, are not referred to in the body of the work. The " Clinical Directory " has been carefully arranged, and its suggestions of remedies are the result of much experience.

Chapter I. Page

Introductory — Early History — Status of Professional Hornceopaths— Indirect Influence of Homoeopathy — Homoeopathy doing down? — Appeals to Facts — Small doses — Homoeopathy not opposed to Experience — Not Faith — Medicines in Health — Illustrations : — Light, Seed, and the Magnet.

Chapter II

Economy — Success — The Public competent to judge — Homoeopathy in Cholera — Constipation — Statistics — Gentle Measures — Jerrold's Death-bed — The Single Remedy — Medicines Specific — Not Disagreeable — Experimental Practice — Preventive Medicine — Future of Homoeopathy.

Chapter III

General Hints — Bathing — The Wet-pack — Exercise — Clothing — Light — Fresh Air — Bed-rooms — Water.

CHAPTER IV. Medicines, Diet, etc., -- 42

Forms of Medicines : — Globules, Tinctures, and Triturations — Medicine-Cases — - List of Medicines : — Internal and External — Directions for taking Medicines — Hours — Dose — Repetition of Doses — Alternation of Medicines — Diet : — Milk Diet, Ordinary Diet, Meat Diet, Extraordinary Diet — Tobacco and Snuff — Drugs.

12 Contents.

Chapter III

Diseases of the Organs of Breathing, - - - 79 Cold in the Plead — Influenza — Hoarseness — Clergyman's Sore Throat — Cough — Hooping-Cough — Croup : — Inflammatory and spasmodic — Diphtheria — Inflammation of the Lungs and Pleurisy — Asthma — Bronchitis -— Chronic Bronchitis — Consumption.

Chapter IV

Indigestion — Vomiting — Sea-sickness — Colic — Biliousness — Heartburn, Flatulence, etc. — Jaundice — Inflammation of the Liver — Chronic Inflammation of the Liver, Liver Complaint — Diarrhoea — Diarrhoea in Children — Dysentery, Bloody Flux — Asiatic or Malignant Cholera — Constipation — Worms — Piles — Protrusion of the Bowel.

Chapter V

Headache — Sick-Headache, Bilious Headache — Epilepsy, Falling Sickness.

Contents. 13

Chapter VI. * Page

Affections of the Eyes and Ears, - 144

Inflammation of the Eyes — Bloodshot Eye — Stye on the Eyelids — Foreign Bodies in the Eye — Inflammation of the Ears — Earache — Running from the Ears — Deafness.

Part III. CONCISE MATERIA MEDIC A

PAGE

Remedies for Internal Use, 208

Aconitum — Antimonium crudum — Antimonium tartaricum — Apis mellifica — Arnica montana — Arsenicum — Belladonna — Bryonia — Calcarea carbonica — Calendula — Camphora — Cantharis — Carbo vegetabilis— Chamomilla —China — Cimicifuga racemosa — Cina — Coffea — Colocyn- ■ this — Cuprum metallicum — Drosera — Dulcamara — Gelseminum — Hamamelis — Hepar sulphuris — Ignatia — Ipecacuanha — Kali bichromicum — Lycopodium — Mercurius — Nux vomica — Opium — Phosphorus — Podophyllum—Pulsatilla — Rhus toxicodendron— Silicea — Spongia — Sulphur — Veratrum album — Veratrum viride.

Part IV. The Stepping- Stone

TO

HoMCEOPATHY AND HeALTH

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Chapter I. His Tor Y Of Homceopa Thy

INTRODUCTORY.

This small volume is issued as a " Stepping - Stone to Homoeopathy;" a few remarks, therefore, explanatory of this system of medicine, may appropriately precede its more practical teachings.

Life is the noblest gift of God, and good health is one of its greatest accompanying blessings. To preserve health in its integrity, or to recover it when lost, are the objects contemplated in the publication of this manual. The reader is requested to pause a few minutes, before entering on its practical details, in order briefly to consider some of the more prominent features, and a few of the advantages that would arise from the more general and extended adoption, of Homoeopathy.

History of Homoeopathy.

EARLY HISTORY.

Homoeopathy is a system of medicine for the cure of all curable diseases, first discovered and adopted nearly eighty years ago (a. d. 1790), by that great physician, Hahnemann. We do not, however, claim for that distinguished man the invention of Homoeopathy ; he only removed the obscurity which had hitherto shrouded the subject, and unfolded to mankind a great law of nature, just as Newton discovered the principle of gravitation. Glimmerings of this science had been caught, many centuries before, by Hippocrates and others, but the illustrious Hahnemann was the first fully to grasp the principle, and to enunciate it as the law of healing, and therefore of universal applicability. At first, its professors were few, and consisted of the immediate friends and disciples of Hahnemann ; but ever since, they have been steadily multiplying, so that now medical men, many of them of great intelligence and high principle, are to be found practicing Homoeopathy in every civilized portion of the globe. There are about three hundred avowed legally qualified practitioners in Great Britain ; but if those who approve the system, and practice it in secret, were added, the number would be more than doubled.

status of professional homoeopaths.

It is often represented that Homoeopathic medical men occupy an inferior position to those of the old school. The Medical Register, issued under the direction of, and in accordance with, an Act of Parliament, may be appealed to in proof that the three hundred Homoeopathic practitioners of Great Britain hold the same degrees and diplomas, have the same legal rank, and have passed through the same course oi* study, under allopathic professors, as their brethren of the old school. On the continent, and in America, Homoeopathy is practiced almost co - extensively with Allopathy.

INDIRECT INFLUENCE.

Many there are who practice Homceopathically, but have not the courage to avow it ; and many others, impelled by the influence which this system is everywhere exerting, are greatly modifying their practice. The good thus indirectly effected by the discovery of Hahnemann is immeasurable. Not only medical men, but tens of thousands of intelligent persons, in every civilized portion of the globe, confide in Homoeopathy as the best and truest system of cure.

HOMCEOPATHY GOING DOWN ?

It is true, the statement is often made by its opponents, that the new system is on the decline. " Homoeopathy is going down," remarked a medical man of the Allopathic school recently. It is going down. Not, however, in the sense he wished. It is sinking deep into the understandings and hearts of the public. Almost everywhere the people are directing their attention to the subject. They try it, and in the hour of sickness confide in it ; and if not conversant with the scientific proofs of Homoeopathy, they recognize in it a power to heal superior to that they have ever experienced under the old plan of treatment.

I

HOMCEOPATHY APPEALS TO FACTS.

It is deserving of remark, that in the discovery of Homoeopathy, Hahnemann did not first conceive a theory, and afterwards seek for facts with which to uphold it. No ! At the very starting point, and at each successive step, he relied solely upon facts. What he learned was from facts, based upon carefully conducted experiments. His assertions were grounded upon facts, the result of patiently and oft -repeated investigations. For several years he kept his discovery to himself; at the same time that he was arranging and accumulating evidence founded upon facts, which were diligently collected and closely scrutinized. Homoeopathy is still upheld by facts. It is because it has stood the trial of experience that it has been preserved to the present time, and will be transmitted to the latest generations.

SMALL DOSES.

Homoeopathy does not mean a small dose f as it is often supposed to do. The grand principle — that which forms the basis of the science — is, like curing like, irrespective of the quantity of the dose. Hahnemann, after he had discovered the science, employed doses of the usual quantity. Experience and further investigation, however, taught him that smaller doses w r ere not only sufficient and more safe, but that when frequently administered, were more efficient than large ones. Apart from this, it is a matter of perfect indifference to Hahnemann or his followers whether they administer medicine in large or small doses. If they found large doses more efficient in curing diseases than small ones, they would assuredly administer the former rather than the latter.

HOMOEOPATHY OPPOSED TO EXPERIENCE.

The results obtained by Homoeopathic practitioners with small doses have been said to be opposed to all previous experience. But the truth is, that prior to the researches of Hahnemann and his followers, we had no experience at all in these matters. It is, consequently, just as absurd for medical men to deny that Homoeopathic remedies can effect the cure of disease because such cures are contrary to their experience, who have never tried them, as for a certain king of Siam to have treated as false the statement that in some countries, and in some seasons, water, under the influence of frost, becomes changed from a fluid to a solid, permitting persons to walk upon it, because in his country no such phenomenon had ever been witnessed ! Siamese philosophers are not yet extinct.

FAITH NOT HOMOEOPATHY.

That Homoeopathy is not mere faith or imagination, is proved by its curing the diseases of infants and of patients in delirium, as well as of the inferior animals. The writer is personally aquainted with many intelligent farmers who employ none other than Homceopathic medicines in the treatment of their sick animals. It must be admitted that the farmers of this country are generally shrewd and calculating men, not easily deceived in matters affecting their interests: and as great numbers of them declare that Homoeopathy cures diseases that were incurable by the old method that it cures more quickly at a less cost, and without damage to the constitutional powers of animals, we have the best evidence that the success of Homoeopathy is not the result of mere faith, but of valuable medicines, properly administered.

The success of Homoeopathy is anything but the result of faith in those who practice it. Persons are generally slow to believe in it, and seldom have recourse to it, at first, without doubts and misgivings. Benefits are derived in spite of their unbelief. Faith in Homoeopathy comes and grows only as their cure progresses and is complete. The very improbability of a dose so small and so unlike what had been formerly given, acts, so far as the imagination has any influence upon the cure, unfavorably, instead of the reverse.

MEDICINES IN HEALTH.

A story is often told of a child swallowing the contents of a tube of globules, which created great alarm, but took "no effect. " Supposing the circumstance to have occurred, it does not at all affect the truth of Homoeopathy. Homoeopathic medicines, in the form they are usually administered, are prepared with the view of acting in disease, when the parts are far more sensitive than in a state of health, and much more easily affected. A healthy constitution has no susceptibility for attenuated drugs; to ensure their action they must be administered in a low or crude form, so as to produce unnatural effects ; in short a kind of poisoning.

ILLUSTRATIONS. LIGHT.

A ray of light falling upon a diseased eye will cause pain, or even become intolerable, although in health the same eye is unaffected by the broad light of day. The susceptibility of the eye is heightened by disease. Millions of rays of light afforded pleasure in health ; now, one ray gives pain. Just so in reference to the tube of globules, that which will produce no disturbance in health will, in disease, with heightened sensibility, act powerfully.

SEED.

We borrow another illustration. Small doses may be taken without producing effects, just as seed may be sown without yielding fruit. It were as reasonable to expect a plentiful harvest from seeds scattered on the sea shore, or on a beaten path, as to expect "effects " from infinitesimal doses when the natural accessories are wanting. As seed will not grow unless the soil is congenial and prepared, so small doses will not act if the symptoms calling for their action are absent.

THE MAGNET.

The disease must have the same attraction for the medicine that the magnet has for iron. You could not tell by touching the loadstone with a piece of copper that it had any power of attraction ; neither could you tell by taking an attenuation of Aconitum in a state of health, that it had any power. But try the magnet with a piece of iron and Aconitum with a quick pulse, and then their energy will be demonstrated.

When it is said the globules took "no effect," what is meant is, the effects which follow Allopathic doses, viz. : vomiting, purging, extreme pain, etc. And here we have an illustration of the safety of Homoeopathic remedies, and how favorably they contrast with the strong drugs and severe measures often employed under the old system of treatment. Well, indeed, would it have been for thousands of Allopathic patients if bleeding, blisters, purgatives, mercury, etc., had also taken "no effect."

Chapter II. Advantages Of Homceopathy

We have only space to refer to some of the advantages arising from adopting Homoeopathic treatment.

ECONOMY.

Economy is secured, chiefly, from the shortened duration of diseases. Bleeding, blistering, purging, and other debilitating measures, are discarded, so that, the disease being cured, the patient soon regains his strength, because it has not been expended by exhausting treatment. Tedious convalescence and permanently shattered health too often follow Allopathic drugging. Patients too often suppose they have not fully " got over " the disease, when in reality they only suffer from the effects of drugs. To the industrious portions of the community, who live by their labor, an early return to health is of great importance ; and it is a fact of too common occurrence, that much inconvenience and want often result from the injudicious and protracted measures of the old system.

HOMOEOPATHIC SUCCESS.

In respect to successful treatment, Homoeopathy is immensely superior to Allopathy. Patients who have been under both systems are best able to judge of their comparative merits, and such almost universally give the palm to Homoeopathy.

IS THE PUBLIC A COMPETENT JUDGE ?

It may be said, the public is incompetent to judge of such matters ; but it is not so ; and although it might for a time be deceived, the deception could not last long. In matters affecting its personal interest, the public is remarkably shrewd, and seldom fails to arrive at a sound conclusion. Not only the general public but also physicians the most highly educated in the profession, after due investigation and experiment, have renounced the old for the new system of practice ; while some of the most profound scholars and greatest nobles in the land are Homoeopaths. The clergy and ministers of all denominations are rapidly embracing the system. That distinguished sect, so often foremost in the field of philanthropy, the Friends, is almost entirely Homoeopathic. So, we venture to affirm, will all be who have the moral courage to inquire, investigate, and think for themselves.

HOMCEOPATHY AND CHOLERA.

The superiority of Homoeopathic over Allopathic treatment applies both to acute and chronic diseases. When cholera prevailed in this country, two out of every three patients were lost by the old system ; on the other hand, Homoeopathy saved two out of every three. We cite the testimony of Dr. McLoughlin, a medical in-

Homoeopathy and Cholera. 25

spector appointed by the Board of Health, to investigate cases of cholera, and who was always strongly opposed to Homoeopathy. He thus writes to one of the surgeons of the London Homoeopathic Hospital.*

CONSTIPATION.

Take, as a further illustration of its success, Constipation of the bowels. Allopathy cannot cure this complaint. It can only give aperients or purgatives ; and these, so far from removing the evil, in the long run generally aggravate it ; whereas, by a little perseverance in the use of her remedies, Homoeopathy cures it.

STATISTICS.

We- confidently refer, in proof of the success of Homoeopathic treatment, to the statistics of the various

* British Journal of Homoeopathy, vol. 13, page 681.

" I need not tell you that I have taken some pains to make myself acquainted with the rise, progress, and medical treatment of cholera ; and that I claim for myself some right to be able to recognize the disease, and to know something of what the treatment ought to be ; and that there may be therefore no misapprehension about the cases I saw in your hospital, I will add, that all I saw were true cases of cholera, in the various stages of the disease ; and that I saw several cases which did well under your treatment, which I have no hesitation in saying would have sunk under any other.

tl In conclusion, I must repeat to you what I have already told you, and what I have told every one with whom I have conversed, that, although an Allopath by principle, education, and practice, yet, were it the will of Providence to afflict me with cholera, and to deprive me of the power of prescribing for myself, I would rather be in the hands of a Homoeopathic than an Allopathic adviser."

hospitals and dispensaries conducted on purely Homoeopathic principles in this country, on the continent, and in America. We have not space here to record even a selection from that accumulated evidence which has now become so voluminous. Numerous volumes of Homoeopathic clinical information, and the reports of the results of the practice of our hospitals and dispensaries, are open to the inspection of all ; for Homoeopathy, differing in this respect from every system of quackery, courts investigation. Nothing is considered so inimical to its interests as concealment. Facts so bear out its inherent truth as to carry with them their own irresistible credentials, and these we are confident will eventually remove every impediment to its general study and universal practice.