CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOMEOPATHY
CONTINUING HOMEOPATHIC MEDICAL EDUCATION SERVICES
QUARTERLY HOMEOPATHIC DIGEST
VOL. II, 1985
Lead me from Untruth to Truth
Lead me from Darkness to Light
Lead me from Death to Immortality
Adyaya I Brahmana 3 Mantra 28
(This service is only for private circulation. Part I of the journal lists the Current literature in
Homeopathy drawn from the well-known homeopathic journals published world-over - India, England,
Germany, France, Belgium, Brazil, USA, etc., discipline-wise, with brief abstracts/extracts. Readers may
refer to the original articles for detailed study. The full names and addresses of the journals covered by
this compilation are given at the end.
Compilation, translation, publication by Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, 1253, 66th Street, Korattur, Chennai- 600 080,
India.)
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1
QHD, VOL.II, NO.1, MARCH 1985 ................................................................................................................. 3
1.1
HOMOEPATHIC MEDICINE WITH HEPARIN AND VALIUM ............................................................. 5
1.2
CLINICAL CASES: AHMED N.CURRIM, PH.D., M.D. ................................................................................. 6
1.3
CLINICAL USE OF POTENCIES - BY DOROTHY J.COOPER, MRCS, LRCP, FF. HOM., DCH ............ 13
1.4
A CLINICAL CONFIRMATION OF EARLIER PROVING OF NIT.AC. - BY DR. W.WEBER ................ 18
1.5
CHARACTERISTICS OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE –IPECACUANHA - BY H. BARTHEL ......... 23
1.6
VISCUM ALBUM - BY DR.MED.HANS LEERS. ........................................................................................ 26
1.7
PERISCCOPE ............................................................................................................................................ 28
2
QHD, VOL.II, NO.2, MARCH 1985 ............................................................................................................... 30
2.1
PAEDIATRIC CASES - DEAN CROTHERS, MD ........................................................................................ 31
2.2
ENURETICS AND THEIR PERSONALITIES - BY J. BARBANCEY ..................................................... 37
2.3
P E R I S C O P E ........................................................................................................................................ 43
2.4
THERAPHY OF DUPUYTREN WITH CINNABARIS ........................................................................... 44
2.5
BERBERIS - BY G. K.KELLER ................................................................................................................ 45
2.6
ANXIETY VIEWED FROM THE MIASM THEORY - BY.U.D. FISCHER ............................................. 46
3
QHD, VOL.II, NO.3, SEPTEMBER 1985 ...................................................................................................... 50
3.1
CALADIUM SEGUINUM - FOUR FORTUITOUS CASES - BY KARL ROBINSON, MD ......................... 51
3.2
CASE REPORTS OF THE USE OF MEDORRHINUM IN THREE PATIENTS ..................................... 54
3.3
PULSATILLA AND THE EXAMINATION OF THE PATIENT ............................................................. 57
3.4
BERBERIS AGAIN ................................................................................................................................... 66
3.5
THE FOURTH CHRONIC DISEASE ....................................................................................................... 67
3.6
HAHNEMANN'S CONCEPTION OF CHRONIC DISEASES ................................................................. 68
3.7
P E R I S C O P E ........................................................................................................................................ 71
4
QHD, VOL.II, NO.4, DECEMBER 1985 ........................................................................................................ 74
4.1
EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM FOR FRACTURES ............................................................................. 75
4.2
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO REMEDIES - BY WILLIAM E.SHEVIN, M.D ................................ 76
4.3
A CASE OF ARNICA ................................................................................................................................ 84
4.4
VERIFICATIONS BY K.N.GYPSER. ........................................................................................................... 85
4.5
THREE CASES FROM THE FRENCH: ................................................................................................... 89
4.6
KALI BICHROMIOUM BY H.V.MÜLLER ................................................................................................. 91
4.7
A CASE OF HERPES ZOSTER NEURALGIA......................................................................................... 92
4.8
TREATMENT OF SUMMER DIARRHOEAS ......................................................................................... 94
4.9
ABROTANUM-BY L.GENT. .......................................................................................................................... 95
4.10
HOMOEOPATHIC TREARMENT OF A CASE OF RABIES WITH NERVOUS COMPLICATIONS IN
A DOG ....................................................................................................................................................... 96
4.11
A CASE OF FAMILIAL HYPOTENSION WITH IMPOTENCE, FAINTING AND MYASTHENCIA
GRAVIS -BY CLERBAUX ............................................................................................................................ 97
4.12
AMMONIUM CARBONICUM IN CHRONIC NASAL OBSTRUCTION .............................................. 98
4.13
THE SIMILLIMUM--SOME EXAMPLES ............................................................................................... 99
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1 QHD, Vol.II, No.1, March 1985
Dear Doctor,
The QUARTERLY HOMEOPATHIC DIGEST has entered into the second year. From
the letters received by me there appears to be no need for an apology for this venture. The
DIGEST has been very well received.
Some readers have suggested inclusion of certain specific diseases and their
Therapeutics; some have asked that the print be bolder; one has suggested more pages to suit the
price!
The suggestions are all being carefully considered. I would like once again to point out
that the DIGEST is not to be considered as a Publication available for "sale". It is only a private
communication to a small number, hardly 100. Secondly, the articles are not at all less by any
account and even in comparison with the Journals published in commercial manner; let alone
translations from contemporary homeopathic literature. From the size and format of the last
number of the DIGEST it will be seen that if the same were to be published in the normal size
and print it would not be less than 30-pages or more. The print is deliberately kept small to
accommodate more material. Let me once again assure that the "subscription" covers only the
approximate actual cost of production, excluding the cost of the source journals, typing etc.
A few words about the contents of this number:
The risk of inter-action of the homoeopathic remedies with remedies given in
physiological doses (allopathic has been posed in the 'Editorial' of the JAIH; the clinical cases of
Dr.Currim point to the great role Homoeopathy can play in advanced pathology and forcefully
indicates the need for full-fledged hospitals.
Discussions of miasms by the mexican schools may please be read with earlier article or
Dr.Ortega {QHD.VOL.1 No.1} a symptom of nit-ac., in the low grade in the Repertory has been
verified by the clinical case of Dr.Weber study of IPECAC. by its characteristics would stimulate
us to study other remedies also in that method so that the peculiarities of the remedies can be
fixed in the memory.
The article by Dr.Hans LEERS on Viscum Album gives us a great remedy/disease, viz.,
Extrasystoles and Viscum album. Please note in the repertory under relevant rubrics.
Verifications may please be communicated to the undersigned.
Clinical use of potencies, is well worth discussion. This time PERISCOPE reveals a more
wonderful field.
Altogether a great adventure.
With fraternal Greetings,
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31
st
March 1985.
Yours sincerely,
K.S. SRINIVASAN
1253, 66
th
Street,
Korattur,
Madras 600 080
QUARTERLY HOMOEOPATHIC DIGEST
Vol.II, No.1, March 1985
CONTENTS
1. Letter from the Editor
2. Homoeopathic medicine with Heparin and Valium
3. Clinical Cases - Dr.Ahmod Currim
4. Clinical use of potencies by Dr.Dorothy J.Cooper,
5. A Clinical Confirmation of Earlier Proving of Nit-ac. by Dr.W.Weber
6. Characteristics of Homoeopathic Medicine - Ipecacuanha
7. Viscum album by Dr.Hans Leers
8. Periscope
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1.1 HOMOEPATHIC MEDICINE WITH HEPARIN AND VALIUM
Knowing homoeopathy well enough to effect a cure or a significant improvement is
power, but how to exercise this in such a way as to minimize abuse? Sometimes are not so. An
example: A homoeopath received a telephone call from an old patient from 1000 miles away.
She was calling for a friend presently in a hospital critically ill with deep vein thrombosis of the
lower extremities (clots in the veins of the legs ) at least one of which had broken loose and
lodged in the lung (pulmonary embolus) causing extensive damage. At the time of the telephone
call of the patient had been on Heparin (an anti - coagulant) for 3 days. The problem was
Heparin did not see, to be working. Fresh clots, many of them, were forming daily in the legs and
she was in danger of repeated pulmonary emboli. Situation was life threatening. Could
homoeopathy help in this case?
How to prescribe? On what basis? The homoeopath could not talk to the patient
personally or over telephone. All he knew was that the patient had deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
and at least one pulmonary embolus and in grave danger. He said "give Hamamelis". "30th
potency 3 times a day. And keep me posted".
This homoeopath had been taught that Hamamelis was useful in deep vein thrombosis.
He had however, never prescribed Hamamelis before. He had no clue if it would interact with
heparin.
Three days went by and the telephone rang. The patient had improved dramatically;
within 12 hours of the first dose of Hamamelis she experienced an increase in general wellbeing
and the pains in her legs (from the DVT) had decreased. On the third day of Hamamelis a repeat
lung scan was done which showed an almost complete resolution of the embolus which a few
days prior to Hamamelis had occupied 35% of one lung. The doctors were talking about letting
her go home in a few days.
The next day the patient had taken a turn for the worse. During the night she had bled
extensively, both haemoptysis and haematemesis. She was in intensive care. By this time
Heparin had been stopped.
"Good God:" thought the Homoeopath. "What have I done? The Hamamelis acted
curatively, but how could her physician have known? Naturally, he kept her on Heparin which
had contributed or possibly even caused her to bleed."
It was revealed later that the patient had been given Valium the day previous to the big
bleeding. Later that day, therefore, she started to bleed; she had had a seizure before she started
to bleed. She remembered being given Valium months earlier and having a seizure at that time.
Presumably, she was highly allergic to Valium. The Valium had triggered a seizure which in turn
triggered the bleeding episode (given the fact she was still an Heparin).
[From the EDITORIAL of the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF
HOMOEOPATHY, December 1983; Slightly condensed by Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, Madras; for
private circulation only]
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1.2 CLINICAL CASES: Ahmed N.Currim, Ph.d., M.D.
Perhaps some readers wonder from time to time what it would be like if homoeopathic
physicians had their own hospitals? Would our medicines be efficacious in the area of serious
pathology? Ahmed Currim is now finishing a residency in Family Medicine in a large
metropolitan hospital. The cases he presents here were all seen in hospital. Most of the patients
received their homoeopathic remedies surreptiously, i.e., they never knew they got them. The
cases speak for themselves.
Case 1: J.C., a 52 year old white male factory worker, came in with a chief complaint of sudden
sharp left shoulder pain which occurred while watching T.V. Pain developed suddenly, was
excruciating and travelled along the sternal border and down the back. No radiation along either
arm. Patient had severe shortness of breath with the pains. Pain travelled also to the left border of
the rib cage and was agg. on taking a deep breath. Rushed to the Emergency Room
Denied having chills, fever, cough, ulcer disease, gall bladder disease, heart disease.
No allergies. On no medications. Review of systems was unremarkable.
Past medical history:
H/o of chronic diarrhoea for 5 to 6 yrs, but never saw his doctor. Forced him out of bed
early morning: had much discomfort all through the morning "with abdominal rumbling and
flatus. Stools watery, brown.
Social history:
Smoked cigarettes 1½ packs per day for 36 yrs. Alcohol--four to five beers per day
Factory worker.
Physical Exam.:
Pulse: 130/respiration -16/B. P. 130 palpable. This middle aged male, thin and small, was
observed moaning from the pain in his chest.
Skin:
Excoriation be scrotum and thigh and on scrotum itself.
Lungs:
No breath sounds in lt.lung. Rt.lung normal.
Abdomen:
hard and distended.
Rectal:
Enormous red mass protruding out of sneak denoting a complete prolapsed of rectum.
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X-ray:
Lt. pneumothorax almost complete (80-90%) with shift of mediastinum
Lab data Diagnosis:
Left. Pneumothorax.
Treatment:
Treated by surgeon with chest tube and suction (via pump).
Homoeopathic aspect of the case:
Symptoms elicited for selection of homoeopathic remedy were as follows:
Chronic diarrhoea:
Worse morn. on awaking, forcing, him to bathroom. Patient indifferent about his
appearance and health. Sticks feet out from covers at night. Desire for beer. Excoriation of
scrotum.
Prescription:
Sulphur 50M. One dose.
Follow Up:
The diarrhoea improved within three days and ceased within seven. By the tenth hospital day, his
abdominal discomfort had markedly improved. A surgical consult vas obtained on the rectal prolapse. The
patient was told to return in four to eight weeks, as surgery was not immediately required. Two weeks
after admission, the chest tube was removed and he was discharged. Seven weeks later he astounded his
doctor as the rectal prolapse had totally retracted. Bowel movements were normal. He no longer craved
beer and had stopped drinking it. He had also stopped smoking.
The above case shows the beginnings of a true cure. His perverted cravings for beer and smoking
had vanished, and all symptoms associated with gastro-intestinal tract had disappeared.
Case 2: R.L., a 45 yr.old white male business executive, had severe epigastric pain. He had had recurrent
attacks of pancreatitis since 1959 and had undergone heroic treatments. In 1959 his sphincter of Oddi was
removed. Later scar tissues occurred, requiring further surgery in 1963 when he received a
sphincteroplasty and cholecystectomy. In 1975 he was readmitted for sever abdominal pain. At that time a
radiological study showed a stone in his pancreatic duct. Apparently the x-ray procedure wedged the
stone further into the duct, resulting in his worst attach of pancreatitis. His amylase soared to 7,000 and he
nearly died. He was re-operated a month later. In 1978 and again in 1980, he had further sever attacks of
pancreatitis. In the last one, two large pancreatic abscesses were surgically drained and a partial
pancreatectomy performed.
Despite extensive medical studies during each hospitalization, no cause of his pancreatitis had
been found, and he was labeled “Idiopathic pancreatitis.”
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On this admission he was complaining of severe abdominal pain in “bands”. The pain throbbed
and was worse lying on his lt. side, better in the knee-elbow position.
Medications:
He took Tagamet from Feb.1978 to Feb.1980, when soreness of the breasts developed
and be stopped the drug. Allergic to Pencillin. Currently on pancrease, 3 tablets with meals.
Family history:
Father a borderline diabetic. An aunt died of leukemia.:
Social history:
Patient stopped alcohol in 1959.
Physical Exam:
Pulse -86/ Respiratiooon-14/BP -100/70 /Afebrile.
Skin:
Macular rash on forehead secondary to hair dye.
Abdomen:
Epigastric tenderness extending to rt. side. Bowel sounds present. Numerous scars from
old surgeries.
Rectal exam:
Unremarkable.
Lab data:
Diagnosis and treatment: Recurrent Pancreatitis. He was treated with naso-gastro-suction.
NPO, intravenous fluids and intramuscular Demerol for pain as needed. Homoeopathic aspect of
the case:
No remedy was obvious form the above symptom picture. I had seen this patient only a
few weeks earlier, and despite careful questioning of him and his family had obtained noting
other than common symptoms of pain. Two days after admission, the patient became feverish (T-
101*) and complained of pain in the lt. kidney region which was relieved on passing urine.
Amylase was 3600 (slightly less than admission). Patient felt sick. Naso-gastric suction had
some bloody material. On the single modality of kidney pain better from urination (see Kent's
Repertory pages 663 and 898) he was given: Prescription:
Lycopodium 1M, one dose.
Follow up:
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Next day: metamorphosis, Patient was vastly improved. Abdominal pain had vanished.
He did not request Demerol. No fever He was sitting up doing his office work.
By day four two days after Lycopodium the amylase was 650 He was on clear fluids and
doing well.
He was discharged on day seven with normal chemistries and advised to have a total
pancreatectomy "to put an end to your misery.”
Question: Would Lycopodium be this man's constitutional medicine and cure his
idiopathic pancreatitis?
This case shows the value of single modality (which might have been dismissed as
trivial) in selecting the correct remedy.
Case 3: E.D., an 80 yr. old white woman came in with the chief complaint of melena and a
previous history of hiatus hernia, heartburn water brash and belching after eating. One week
prior to admission she had an episode of epigastric pain. The day of admission she fainted
following a bowel movement in which she passed fresh blood with many clots. In the Emergency
Room she’d passed a tarry stool and was hypotensive. She was on no medications. Denied using
aspirin and did not smoke or drink.
Physical Exam:
Pulse 96/Respiration 18/BP 80/40 / Afebrile.
Skin:
Pale; Eyes: conjunctivae pale; lungs; clear;
Heart:
Regular rhythm. No murmurs. No S3,or S4 sounds.
Abdomen:
Soft nontender with bowel sounds present. No masses or organomegaly.
Rectal:
Black stool strongly guaiac positive.
Lab. data:
WBC-8.2/2 stabs/63 poly/2 eos/2 30 lymphs Hgh-10.1M/MCV-88
Electrolytes: Normal, BUN-37/ creatinine-0.8
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Diagnosis and treatment: Upper GI bleed. She was given intravenous fluids and cimetidine 300
mg 16th IV.She was placed NPO and serial Hgh and Hot were drawn until stable. Bp became
normal and she was placed on clear fluids. There was no more bleeding.
Homoeopathic aspect of the case:
She complained of excessive flatulence, easy satiety and was worse from cabbage and
beans.
Prescription:
Lycopodium 10M, one dose.
Follow up:
Within two days she felt greatly relieved of her gastric symptoms. "Never in my life have
I felt so much at ease." she said.
Six days after admission, endoscopy was performed and a small lesion was found on the
lesser curvature of the stomach. The cancer was biopsied and histology showed adenocarcinoma.
The cancer was the obvious explanation of her GI bleed, and she was advised to have surgery to
remove it. During the subsequent week, while awaiting sugery, she remained well. There was no
flatulence, she ate well and experienced no discomfort. There was no easy satiety, she underwent
a gastrectomy, recovered easily and was discharged. The surgeon said he believed the procedure
would be "curative"
This case shows the value of the constitutional remedy in malignancy. One is tempted to
ask if the remedy alone could have cured her malignancy.
Case 4: I.H., a 48 yr. old white male lawyer suffered very severe chest pain radiating to the lt.
shoulder and lt. arm. There was dizziness, but no nausea vomiting or shortness of breath. He did
recall having epigastric and substernal pain one day prior to admission.
Physical Exam:
Pulse 76 and slightly irregular / Respirations-18/ BP.140/100;
Neck: No JVD
Chest: Lungs clear;
Heart: 83 gallop, regular rhythm; Extremities: no oedema.
Lab. data and EKG:
ST elevation in the anterior chest leads consistent with anterior wall myocardial
infarction. Blood work on admission was normal except for elevated WBC with normal
differential. On the second day of hospitalization, the following blood chemistries
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revealed:CPK-1655(nbormal-50); CPKMB was positive for myocardial infraction. LDH-543
(normal-150 GOT -275 (NORMAL-20). These studies confirmed the diagnosis of a myocardial
infarction which was very severe.
Hospital course:
He was admitted to CCU. He developed lidocaine resistant PVC’s which improved on
Pronestyl. On the third day, he developed a severe pleuritic chest pain worse on breathing or
movement. “It feels like I have- bronchitis,” he said. No friction audible. He was given Demerol
75 mg. on four occasions. Very restless.
On the 4th day, he was thought to have pericarditis secondary to the MI, despite the absence of a
pericardial friction rub. He was placed on the following medications, aspirin, Demerol, Isordil nd
phenobarbital.
Homoeoeopathic aspect of the cases:
On the night of his 4th day in the hospital, he came under my care, as I was on call. The
patent spoke several times about wanting to go home, and he seemed concerned bout various
business problems. To me there seemed to be going on than simply a heart attack. Prescription;
Bryonia IM, one dose.
Follow up:
He slept for 1½- hr, immediately following the remedy. He experienced pain at 10.50
P.M.-He asked for Demerol only twice more, at 10.50 P.M AND 4.00 A.M. Then his pain
decreased rapidly and he improved.
On the 6th day, he experienced no pain and needed no Demerol. On the 8th day he said
wanted “to change his life style and not worry so much about business.”
Until day 14 he did well with steady improvement. Then he developed a low grade temperature,
rt.chest pain, rales in the rt.base and shortness of breath. Dressler’s Syndrome was diagnosed,
and the patient was restarted on aspirin. In addition he was placed on Valium and anti—tussives.
On the day 21 he developed pleural effusions and his heart was found to be enlarged. An
echocardiogram revealed a pericardial effusion. He was thought to be in congestive heart failure
and digitalized and placed lasix. He was finally discharged on day 27 with a severely injured
heart muscle.
Comments:
Bryonia might vey well have cured his Dressler’s Syndrome, as the symptoms calling for
Bryonia had reappeared.
It is noteworthy that Bryonia is listed in bold type in Kent’s Repertory under CHEST, Dropsy.
The patient’s change in attitude toward his business affairs following Bryonia was remarkable
and indicated the prescription had been on the mark. Using Bryonia in a myocardial infarction
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seems unlikely, but the symptoms arc the true guides to the remedy and not the pathological
diagnosis. It should be noted, however, that Kent lists Bryonia under pericarditis in the Repertory
on page 835.
[From the JOURNAL OF AMERICA INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATUY, Vol.76, No.4,
December 1985; for private communication only; extracted by Dr. K. S. Srinivsan, Madras]
(Comment by Dr.K.S.S. the 4 cases of highly educative value. The working of the high potency
medicine in gross pathology have been demonstrated. After reading the cases please read the
opening paragraph of the article, particularly Homoeopathy teachers and homoeopathy doctors
attached to Homoeopathy hospitals)
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1.3 CLINICAL USE OF POTENCIES - By Dorothy J.COOPER, MRCS,
LRCP, FF. HOM., DCH
I should like to share with you some of the general principles which our senior
homoeopathic physicians, German, American and English have given to us, I found so much
material about so many outstanding homoeopathic practitioners, and in many cases articles about
the preparation and use of a wide range of potencies, that this final list has had to be highly
selective.
Hahnemann himself commenced by using up to the 30th potency, although after his death
sixth edition of the Organon (1921) referred to his use of potencies up to 1M. Boenninghausen,
thought to be Hahnemann's most brilliant pupil, was using 200 and 1M potency by the 1880 and
he quotes the 5th edition of the Organon as speaking of the effect of the 200th potency as
"bordering on the marvelous'
Burridge in Liverpool in 1868 was using 200 and 1M. Dr.Thomas Skinner a well-known
gynaecologist, at one time private in 1876 as a result of a dramatic cure from his own
incapacitating illness by a ‘few doses Sulphur 1M" prepared for him by Dr.Boericke of
Philadelphia. From this time on (until 1903) he practiced homoeopathy in Scotland using
potencies certainly as high as “the 150,000th centesimal attenuation"
Richard Hughes (1836-1902) recorded in the last quarter of the 19th century how high the
potencies of remedies used in America were -- e.g. 200 and up to 10 millionths being made
(10,000,000). He stated, however that in England the “medium dilutions" by which he meant
the12th to the 3rd' chiefly in use" with the 30th "being pretty frequently administered", but added
that "a tendency soon displayed itself to descend rather than ascend the scale". Of himself he said
“the great majority of us continue to use in conjunction with the lower dilutions (as from 3
downwards) the higher ones of the scale from 6 upwards)" At that stage he evidently saw
difference in use of potency as very much the choice of the individual physician, discussed and
written about with illustrative statistics, but not necessarily a topic for contention (Hughes’
Manual of Therapeutics according to the method of Hahnemann published 1877).
Dr.George Royal, having, retired after 30 years as Professor of Homoeopathic Materia
Medica at the State University of Iowa, wrote his Homoeopathic practice of Medicine
(published 1923) in which he referred to many remedies familiar to us today, as well as
unfamiliar ones, and advised the use of them in variety of potencies from 3x to the thousandth.
As far as my study has gone he appears to have used the 3rd and 6th to the 30th potencies more
frequently than the higher ones. In contrast to many contemporaries he normally states the
potency and dose he used and advised.
The highest potencies of 10M and over were not brought to England until just before the
First World War when Sir John Wier, Dr.Fergiewoods and Dr.Borland returned after a period of
study with Kent in America. I understand these highest potencies are still made in America and
by a single bottle technique.
In 1982 we are again in a position to see that all potencies have their place, and it may be
that some physicians become more discerning or more proficient in using certain potencies.
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Potencies available: I am quite glad to have the opportunity to thaw your attention to the limitless
variations in use of potencies in homoeopathic treatment, as I believe we Should view the subject
not as a battlefield but as a launching—pad for exploration into new fields of success in our
treatment.
MOTHER TINCTURE Crataegus, Sabal.
Tenth potencies
1X near to mother tincture, rare in use but useful, e.g. Crataegus. (Useful in clinic where no
dispenser)
3X rare in use; examples,
Arsen.iod. in hay fever.
Hepar sulphur for promotion formation of pus.
Bryonia (one family 3 generations all sensitive known as
the"headache" remedy causing headache, but invaluable for typical
Bry.cough in 3x).
4X rare in use e.g. Acid phos. as tonic.
6X the commonest of the tenth potencies. Schuessler Tissue Remedies,"Phosphorine"--
commercialized.
9X unique value in at least the remedy Nux vom., but is difficult to make.
Hundredth potencies
6c commonly the lowest used, safest, no reaction normally; occasionally some rare patient better
on higher potency. Arnica, Arsen.alb, Belladonna, Calc.carb, Causticum etc. etc.
Hamamelis used in vein thrombosis.
Rhus tox. (Blackie) 3 notes for restlessness. Home remedies best.
12c Constitutional -- always safe. Some of our greatest forerunners for example Sir John Weir
frequently began with 12c especially with sensitive patients e.g. Lycopodium.
30c Medium --very useful follow-up potency and very much used in acute and constitutional
situations. e.g. Apis mel (stings), Nat.mur., Cantharis.
Hamamelis in haemmorhage. (as contrasted with 6c potency for vein thrombosis ).
Rhus tox. --muscle tension (note all potencies have their use)
200c- The most difficult of all to use. If it is right a very good result; if the wrong potency a very
bad aggravation. e.g. Calc.phos- knees; Graphities- scar tissue.Drosera for cramp; Psor- hay
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fever. But in a Lycopodium constitution can get a very severe reaction. Sulphur --specific in
dental sepsis
500c- Rare. Use in constitutional, i.e. a specific potency.
Thousandth Potencies:
1M Easiest, safest and gentlest of all higher potences,e.g
Gelsemium in flu
Hepar sulph to abort abscess; cf.3x to promote pus
Lycopodum and Phosphorus in pneumonia-safe to start with
in acute infection.
Any constitution safe but not always necessarily the best in IM.
10M e.g.
Arnica--injury and operation
Rhus tox: relaxation, preceding osteopathic treatment 3 doses 12 hourly, second 1-2 hours
Hours immediately preceding manipulation –but the number of doses given has to be watched--
6 maximum at any one time.
In acute disease eg: Phosphorus in pneumonia (Lycopodium)
Arsen.alb., Nux vom.(Dr.Blakie) acute onset sore throat with shivering influenza; pneumonia.
Constitutional-frequency worked up to.
50M Rare in use - constitutional.
CM usually follows when lower potencies cease to work, in both acute and constitutional
prescribing, eg.when 10M ceases to give relief e.g. Rhus tox CM Severe acute rheumatism of
hands, 3 doses 2 hourly repeated once (1982) in 15 years (Blackie).
Some practitioners find it invaluable as a first prescription in acute severe diarrhoea and
vomiting of Arsen.alb, type. I have found a 6c very frequently repeated in the early stages
dramatically effective.
M.M-When remedy is working (acute medicine usually) but not holding and no change of
remedy is indicated.e.g.Rhus tox.,Calc.Carb.
Rarely found necessary.
2MM Rare in use (America), constitutional. I have talked about ascending potencies but I believe
Dr.Margaret Tyler would drop her potency when a patient ceased to respond (cf.skinner)
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"PLUSSING"
Here we must pause and consider “plussing”. A remedy can be plussed very readily. Basically
one is altering the potency of each of 3 or 4 consecutive doses by an unknown degree aid thus
obtaining a slightly different stimulus to the body in each dose. To do this one can dissolve the
potentised tablet, succus; add a fraction of another potentized tablet, and succuss again. Part of
this dose is given as the second dose and the remainder treated the same way for the third dose.
Simple but effective. It has been difficult to decide which remedies to talk about from the point
of view of potency. You will have noticed that certain remedies have been referred to in a
number of potencies according to different areas of usefulness. I have deliberately chosen them
to demonstrate the value of the same remedy in different potencies.
For example:
I. Arnica-—acute physical or mental “bruising” use low or high.
II. Nux vom.—-works on all systems——in different potencies from 9x to MM.
III.Rhus tox.—all potencies varying as to whether the condition is chronic, acute, or an acute
exacerbation on chronic, or indeed a virus infection of the skin such as herpes zoster.
GENNERAL PRINCIPLES OF USE
In considering the principles for use of the various potencies, we see that, generally speaking, the
vegetative side of the body, for example skin, alimentary tract, respond best to the low potencies.
In problems relating to the central nervous system either immediately or eventually the highest
potencies will be required. Other systems vary, needing potencies the extremes.
In acute illness either a low or high potency may be required, depending on the nature of
the disease, the severity of the illness, and the capacity of the patient to respond.
In chronic illness one usually begins with a low potency, rising gradual1y to higher ones
as necessary——in these cases it is a wise rule never to start high.
In constitutional problems I usually find that I start with a lower fairly low potency—say
12-and if necessary work up to the very highest, even MM, but much depends on the type; for
example in the more sensitive patient, such as Lycopodium, Sepia, Silica, I would proceed with
caution from low to high.. In the heavy slow type, such as Calcarea carb, it is possible to start as
high as 1M or 10M. Of course, since in homoeopathy the central consideration is the patient
rather than the disease,there are exceptions to every rule.
Some drugs work on different system in different potencies; and some patients react
differently from others to different potencies.
There is a good deal of evidence to suggest that, if one gets a brilliant result with a 10M,
one would have achieved the same result with a 6c potency, perhaps given at a different interval;
and one always has to remember that the body can become accustomed to a potency, or even a
drug stimulus. This is what leads me to favor the course of getting as far as possible with a low
potency, so that there is still -a complete armory of higher potencies to turn to if, or when, the
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patient no longer responds to a potency. Having said this, I must add that there are some
fulminating illnesses, where one feels diffident in starting "low" in this case 1M is usually safe in
any remedy. I have never seen reported, or heard of, bad reactions to a 1M in a serious ill patient.
On the other hand 1M is not always the best potency.
It is therefore cir that we must accept patients vary in their reaction to carefully chosen
remedies and as good Physician we must learn to judge the Patient as well as the Potency.
A salutary reminder of the power of homeopathic remedies is the experience of a patient
who came to me four years ago. A well-meaning person deeply interested in homoeopathy,
having read an article in a BJH of the 1930s on Aluminium poisoning, had advised her to take
Alumina 200. The result was not only an immediate severe reaction to the remedy but also a
greatly increased degree of sensitivity of the patient to aluminum in genere1, cooking utensils,
foil, milk tops, etc. and it took 1 year of careful prescribing to get her sufficiently fit to take
Alumina, and two year before she was well in herself and able to live a more normal life.
Homoeopathy is not an esoteric philosophy, but the application of a principle in the
practice of medicine. Although any lay person who so desires may begin to learn the rudiments
of first-aid and early homoeopathic treatment it belongs to the homoeopathic physician alone to
study the disease process and the patient as a whole as affected by that process and to find, the
remedy required by the patient at that time true similimum - in the right potency to effect a cure,
or, as Hering puts it:
“No one can be a successful disciple of Hahnemann, who is not well versed, as
Hahnemann himself was, in the learning of the medical schools and it would be just as
impossible for him to act Judiciously without a knowledge of anatomy, physiology,
pathology, surgery, and materia medica, together with chemistry and botany, as for a
man, ignorant of navigation and seamanship, to carry a vessel with safety into port.”
(The Homoeopathic Domestic Physician, Constantin Hering.)
[From the BRITISH HOMOEOPATHIC JOUNAL, Vol .72, No • 1, Jan • 1983. Condensed by
Dr.K.S.SRINIVASAN, Madras. For private communication only]
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1.4 A CLINICAL CONFIRMATION OF EARLIER PROVING OF NIT.AC. -
by Dr. W.Weber
HISTORY OF THE AILMENT: Since 20 years: Record card; collected papers and
Homoeopathic records about a man 57 years; Railway driver. Active member of Sports club.
1962 — 65: Occasional ailments of digestive tract and joints; Intercostal neuralgia of left thorax.
Therapy: palliative.
1971: Reports of a specialist in an internist hospital:
“....... Patient complains of a ‘fluttering’ in the heart region, sine long time. However, the
examination revealed nothing pathological. The complaint was the left chest muscles with
fibrillations. The left M. Pectoralis was painful to pressure. Prospects for medicinal treatment did
not appear good.”
1971 - 1978: Only small number of sporadic entries. January 1979: The patient came with
massive complaints and afflictions. The pains and spasms in the left chest was getting worser and
worser despite intensive treatment by general practitioners and specialists over years. Only some
amelioration. But he cannot do without a large quantity of sedative tablets. Valium helps at times
for some hours. While he had no confidence in Homoeopathy from what others said, he drifted
away from here, but now returned for treatment.
PROCEEDING OF THE EXAMINATION OF TH PATIENT:
According to Organon paragraph 83 — brief extract: “The most troublesome ailment is
the heart. If I am moving about much, then I do not notice it at all. Strangely the sufferings are
during rest. Then it begins to flutter, spasmodic, in the left chest. I have the sensation as if it is in
the ribs. Cannot tolerate any pressure there. The condition is aggravated; the heart region
becomes hot. Becomes fiery. Begins to burn. Then it begins to boom in the heart region. The
spasm gets lesser and slackens rhythmically. These troubles began 15 years before and
aggravated continually. I become nervous and get excited for everything. It becomes worse
during, if I my attention is not distracted. For this suffering, I begin to press the chest as when
one presses the cheek when suffering from toothache. A feeling of pressure as from a weight on
the chest which I would like to fling away. I sleep on the left side. I am unable to sleep because
of the pains and fluttering. The pains become unbearable if I turn in the bed. Throw away the
weight on the chest, only then rest. These attacks come day and nights, but not when occupied
and in sleep. Valium has always helped me. These accursed pains; no one has freed me from.
The pain is worse so that I have to loosen the braces. The attacks come from every least upset, of
any kind, ‘whether anger, joy or uncertainty.”
SUMMARY OF THE PREVIOUS HISTORY: The patient further reported of frequent
and unceasing colds. From every cold he caught, he will have catarrh, throat pains and cough.
Sexual intercourse is exceptional. On the one hand he feared of failure and on the other
hand the wife could not tolerate his holding of the chest always. He lies in bed often with pains
in the calf and coldness of the thighs. He also has a very sensitive vertebral column. He had been
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treated for it by an Orthopaedician without any relief. Almost with every lifting and carrying he
had lumbago. He suffered much with headache.
ARRANGEMENT OF SYMPTOMS for the determination of Similarity. The page numbers of
the Repertory have been given for quick reference:
I. Striking and peculiar symptoms are not available.
II. Clearly observed mental symptoms:
(1) Irritable, Fury, (p.7O)
(2) Excitement over trifles (p.41)
(3) Consolation agg. The irritability (p.59)
III. General Symptoms:
1. Tendency to catching colds. (p.906)
2. Draft air agg. (p.1344)
3. Lifting and carrying causes lumbar pains (p.906)
4. Sleeplessness with shocks and throbbing in body (p.1254)
5. Sexdrive decreased (p.711)
IV. Cause is unknown.
V. Accompanying symptoms absent.
VI. Local symptoms
(1)Spasms of chest muscles (p.880)
(2) Headache from cold (p.138)
(3) Coldness of thigh (p.961)
The choice of Similie: Ranking these 11 symptoms in their arrangement pointed Nitrium acidum
with 11/20 marks. In the second place Sepia came with wider difference, 6/16.
Progress of the case:
15-1-1979: For the presenting complaints: Nux Vomica: abuse of Psychopharms, irritability etc.
on 15-1; 19-1; 22-1; 29-1; the proceedings were noted.
23-2-1979: Restlessness and chest spasms were perhaps reduced minimally only.
7-3-1979: In 14 clays, one week went off very well. But the incredible restlessness has returned
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7-3-1979: 1 dose of NIT.AC.
21-3-1979: There were good days and. bad. The spasms were bearable.
4-4-1979: The spasm in chest appeared twice a week. It is bearable.
18-4-1979: Again it is worse in the chest, but subdued. The Colds particularly have been
ameliorated.
18-4-1979: 2. A dose of NIT.AC.
2-5-1979: The last 14 days were not so good. It was indeed better before that. Again chest spasm
Whole day with bad temper.
16-5-1979: It was very good for weak. Since 4 days maddening, unbearable pains in pectoralis,
burning, heat and spasmodic pains. The sleep is very poor.
3. One dose of NIT.AC.
In muscle it is as if a thick furuncle about to burst out.
30-5-1979 In the meantime feverish cold without medicine.
13-6-1979: Nothing particular. The jerking, itching and burning in the chest increased. Heavy
cough and cold. Sleep bad and. restless.
4. a dose of NIT.AC.
23-7-1979: Since 3 days after a vacation again. Incredible pain in the heart region. palpitation, as
when an ulcer throbs.
8-8-1979: 5. a dose of NIT. AC
29-8-1979: Cough, Coryza, expectoration, were all gone during the whole summer. Only poor
sleep on account of chest spasms.
3-10-1979: Relatively not bad these days. But in intervals it appears to be fully virulent. The
heart is very bad every 14 days. When I have these difficulties, least touch is troublesome.
6. A dose of NIT.AC.
17-10-1979: I am in satisfactory condition.
6-11-1979: Since a few days again the old fuss in the chest with sleep disturbances.A cold for a
week.
20-11-1979: In the chest a riot as if a swarm of bees.
7. A dose of NIT.AC.
4-12-1979: I feel tired ad fagged out.
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18-12-1979: I am well with regard to my chest.
8-1-1980: The attacks are week and rare.
21-1-1980: I am well
8. A dose of NIT.AC.
29-1-1980: well
3-5. The patient appeared after 3 months and said: “Why should a healthy man call on the
physician?” However, disorders set in again. Now again a lengthy discussion. The patient made
enquiries about the specia1ity of homoeopathic procedure. Apparently he understood
HAHNEMANNIAN concept of individuality and he cheered up. Deeply moved he explained: ‘‘I
will say something which I had not told any other doctor since I was in the military hospital. It
will only make all laughs at it. I have or rather had, a foot sweat, wetting. Give me your
globules.”
The verification: In Kent’s Repertory, p.1183, is found the symptom “Perspiration, foot, left”
with two remedies; Nitric acidum and Chamomilla, Nit.ac. is to be elevated to the second grade
now, The patient remained the entire year 1980 free from ailments and also from his otherwise
usual colds. The symptom in Kent’s comes from HAHNEMANI’S “Chronic Diseases”, II
Edition (1836), Vol.IV under Nitricum Acidum, Symptom No.1135:
“Perspiration of left foot”.
CONCLUSION:
I. The history and address of the patient are available for demonstration to the interested.
II. The medical history establishes corroboration of symptom for Nit.ac.: ‘Aversion to strong
smelling cheese’, as BARTHEL has mentioned in Synthetic Repertory (Vol.II p.216) with
reference to GALLAVARDIN and PIERRE SCHMIDT.
III. Potencies between M and CM were given. In occasional prescription for placebo, Avena
Sativa, Passiflora inc. and Valeriana were alternated.
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Literature:
HAHNEMANN,S: Organon, VI Edn. Richard HAEHL, 1921
The Chronic Disease, I Edition 1826,
II Edition 1838
Kent’s Repertory, Heidelberg. 1971
BARTHEL, H. KLUNKUR, W: Synthetic Repertory
Heidelberg (1977 — 1978)
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1.5 CHARACTERISTICS OF HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE –
IPECACUANHA - By H. Barthel
According to paragraph 153 of VI Edition of the ‘Organan of Medicine", the striking, peculiar,
unusual, singular (characteristic) signs and symptoms of the disease are to be most solely kept in
view; because it is these symptoms which above all must correspond; if it is to be the one most
suitable for cure.
Bibliographie:
1. KENT, J.T: Repertory of the homoeopathic Materia Medic, 6th Edition, Ehrharz &
Karl,Chicago (1957)
1-16. BARTHEL, H., KLUNKER, W.: Synthetic Repertory.
2., revised and enlarged edition, Karl F.Haug, Heidelberg (1982).
17. ALLEN, H.C.: Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons, 8th edition, Boericke &Taf
el, Philadelphia (1950)
18. ALLEN H.C.: The Materia Medica of the Nosodes. Sett Dey & Co., Calcutta (1942)
19. LIPPE, A.von: Key Notes & Red Line Symptoms of the Materia Medica,
Salzer & Co., Ca1cutta.
20. NASH, E.B.: Leaders in Homoeopathic Therapeutics
2nd Edition, M. Bhattacharyya & Co. Calcutta (1962)
21. BOGER, C.M.: A Synoptic Key of the Materia Medica, 6th enlarged Edition,
Salzer &Co. Calcutta.
22. HUTCHISON, J.W.: Seven—hundred Red Line Symptoms. Ehrhart & Karl,
Chicago (1924)
Kunzli (15) has identified with a red mark the remedies and symptoms especially these are
proved in his practice; these are identified with the numbers 1+ 15.
CHARACTERISTTCS OF IPECAUANHA:
Psora (7)
Diseases of infants (13), OF CHILDREN. Ailments during pregnancy, in childbed.
Epileptic attacks with bluish face; with screaming (2).
Haemorrhages from all the body outlets; BRIGHT RED (2—4,
6, 8, 17, 19—21); blood clots (3, 14, 17, 21)
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EPISTAXIS WITH WHOOPING COUGH (1 + 5)
Foamy discharges from mucous membranes (21).
Hard discharges from the Canthi (1+15)
Fermented stool (1 + 15)
Perspiration HOT, COLD, odor pungent or sour, staining the clothes yellow (1, 7)
Moaning in sleep; eyes open (1 + 15)
MENSES EARLY + COPIOUS 4 BRIGHT RED + CLUMPY
AILMENTS FROM ANGER, suppressed anger (2, 12); Arsen., Peruvian bark, CHININ.
Copper fumes agg., Narcotics agg.
SUPPRESSION OF MENSES (2), SKIN ERUPTIONS. Want of reaction.
NAUSEA, CONSTANT, IN ALL AILMENTS (17, 19—21), before
headache (20); with sunken eyes, blue rings, pale face, twitching of face and lips (20)
Dyspnoea accompany most of the ailments(21); during menses;
during haemorrhages (20).
STRIKING SYMPTOMS:
1. Symptoms, striking as such:
Sees a red halo (1 + 15)
Sneezing paroxysms (1 + 15)
CHILDREN PUT THEIR FINGER IN THE MOUTH
2. by Modalities:
Vomiting of mucous, food, from coughing (1 + 15).Vomiting in whooping cough (15)
VOMITING AGG.
Weakness after menses unrelated to loss of blood.
Abdominal pain in pregnancy (1 + 15)
Diarrhoea from emotional excitement (2), during teething (1+15)
Ineffectual urging f or urination
Cough during teething (7 + 15)
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Joint pains only in chill stage. Chill stage not better in open warmth; agg. by warm covering;
AGG.IN WARM ROOM.
Damp weather amel. (2, 7)/Damp-warm weather agg. Ailments in sultry weather.
3. By Localisation:
One side of the face pale/another red, ONE COLD/ANOTHER HOT.
Biliary colic (1 + 15)
One hand cold/another hot. One foot cold/another hot.
Right side.
4. By Sensations: No symptoms
5. By Extension:
Headache extends to tongue; to root of tooth (15).
Cutting in abdomen from left to right; in uterus (21)
Change of side from left to right (7)
6. By Beginning and End: No symptoms
7. By combination of contrary Symptoms:
Heat on head with cold hands, feet. IN CHILL STAGE WARMTH IS NOT TOLERATED.
Face is red in chill stage, pale during hot stage.
Want of vital heat, but warmth agg. (7)
8. By Periodicity:
ailments at the same hour (6, 17); every second day (6,7,17)
Agg. in winter (1, 7)
9. By absence of expected Symptoms:
Clean tongue in stomach symptoms (17, 19, 20)
Rattling respiration without expectoration (21)
Fever without chill, thirstless in fever (1 + 15)
[From the DEUTSCHES JOURNAL FOR HOMEOPATHIE, Band 1, 2.Quartal, 1982;
Translated from the German by Dr.K.S. Sririvasan, Madras, for private communication only]
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1.6 VISCUM ALBUM - by Dr.med.Hans LEERS.
A 71 year old man complained on 1.8.1972 about sensation of creeping of lower legs,
nightly, so that he could not rest his legs quietly. He was robust, red and full-blooded, walked
energetically and spoke very loud. To further questions, he told of heat-waves (flushing) from
the feet up to the head with head ache, heart oppression and vertigo by movement. All
ameliorated by cold washings and in the fresh air, after perspiration also. The blood-pressure was
consistent with his age, pulse 90, and there were Extra systoles.
For securing the remedy diagnosis I chose the following repertory cards: (the leading
symptoms are emphasized)
Formication (S)
Legs restless nights (S)
Extra systoles (V)
Face red (M)
Heart oppression (M)
Headache cold air am.(V)
Head ache warmth (V)
Sensation of vigorousness (V)
Air, fresh, am. (V)
Plethora (V)
Pulse fast (s)
Perspiration am. (M)
Vertigo movement (V)
Vertigo better out of doors (5)
Ebullitions upwards (M)
These gave as the only remedy, Viscum album. Besides “Ectrasystoies” all the other
rubrics are found in ‘Kent’. But Viscum is not included in any of the rubrics in
it. It was not at that e time proved, but it is found in the Index. I have supplemented the
indications from the above mentioned sources.
With the D6 a quick amelioration came. I will be going higher now.
References:
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(S)Stauffer
(V): Voisin
(M): Mezger.
[From the ZEITSCIIRIFT FUR KLASSICHE HOMOOPATHIE UND
ARZNEIPOTEZIERUNG, Band 17, 1973—-Jan./Feb.1973; Translated from the German
Dr.K.S. Srinivasan, Madras; for private circulation only.- Dr.HANS LEERS has published a
book of ‘rare symptoms’ which have been helpful in his practice. The sources besides Kent,
include the above cited German authors as also Zincke, Voegeli, Gagliardi, Ga1lavardin, Dewey,
Nash, Farrington, Jahr and other sources. He has also brought a card repertory à1d the above
case is to demonstrate the use of the Card repertory—-K.S.S]
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1.7 PERISCCOPE
A number of papers, on and about Homoeopathy appear in medical Journals all over the
world. Most of the papers remain unknown to Homoeopaths. We are attempting to give a list of
such papers that have appeared in non-homoeopathic journals. As and when our resources
permit, we will provide the readers with excerpts of these papers or even the full papers. The
abbreviations used are standard and are intelligible to the suppliers of Xerox copies or
microfilms or microfiche. These can be obtained from Indian National Scientific Documentation
Centre (INSDOC), 14, Satsang Vihar Marg, Special Institutional Area, New Delhi—110067 or
U.M.I. c/a Allied Publishers P. Ltd. 13/14, Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi-119002, or their branches
at Bombay, Calcutta and Madras. Addresses of foreign sources will be supplied on request.
Further enquiries regarding these papers may be addressed to Dr. G.S.Hehr, 120/22,
Purani Abadi, Sri Ganganagar—335001 under intimation the Editor, Dr.K.S.Srinivasan, Madras.
The information in this has been culled from INDEX MEDICUS Vol. 1 and 2 (1960, 1961)
1. DEWENTER W: (Experiences from practice with homoeopathic prescriptions); Deutsch Med
J 11: 475—9 5 Oct.1960 (German)
2. HOFF F: Splendour and misery of Therapy, with remarks on homoeopathy; Deutsch Med
Wschr 86: 1017-28
26 May 1961 (German)
3. KRATZER N: The evaluation of homoeopathy on the basis of physical chemistry;
Z Ges Inn Med 15: 927—32
1 Oct. 1960 (German)
4. LENDLE L: On the problem of the “Scientific Value” of homoeopathy and its ‘Theory of
Similarity”; Med Welt 12: 592—3 25 March 1961 (German)
5.. LEMAY P: Sainte-Beuve confides in a homoeopathist; Progr Med (Par) 87:393—4 10
Nov.1939 (French)
6. MOESSINGER P: Is the homoeopathic statement on the similarity valid? ; Med Welt
36:1872—76
3 Sep 1960 (German)
7. MOESSINGER P: On the problem of the scientific value of homoeopathy; Med Welt 12:593-
94
25 Mar 1961 (German)
8. PROKOP L: A critical comment on homoeopathy; Deutsch Med J 11:479-82
5 Oct 1960 (German)
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9. PROKOP O: Remarks on the statement of Dr.Stengel; Z Aerztl Fortbild 55:45-6
1 Jan.1961 (German)
10. SCHOELER H: Homoeopathy and science; Med. Welt 7:368-73
13 Feb 1960 (German)
11. SCHOELER H & MARTINI P: Homoeopathy and science; Med Welt 22:1218-20
28 May 1960 (German.)
12. STORCH H: Thoughts on Homoeopathy; Deutsch Gesundh 15:1032-3
12 May 1960 (German)
13. STORCH H: Thoughts about Homoeopathy; Deutsch Gesundh
15:1985—87 29 Sep.1960 (German)
14. WURMSER L: Methods of research applicable to controls in homoeopathy; Prod Pharm 15:
54- 9 (Feb 60) (French)
15:10- 4 (Jan 60) (French)
15. WURMSER L: Problems presented by homoeopathy to the pharmaceutical industry; Prod
Pharm 15:101-9 (May ‘60) (French)
16. ZHURAVLEV Kla: Results of treatment of dermatosis with homoeopathic preparations;
Vestn.Derm Vener
35:29—33 (Jan.’61) (Russian)
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2 QHD, Vol.II, No.2, March 1985
Dear Doctor,
The avowed purpose of the DIGEST is renaissance of classical homoeopathy by bringing to light
the important literary works being published in the world of homoeopathy, which would enthuse
us.
Clinical verification of a symptom in low grade has been reported in the NIT.AC. case in Vol.II,
No.1/1985. The relevance and value of the prover’s as well as the patient’s expressions for
choice of remedy have been explained in the articles on CAUSTICUM, Vol.I, No.1/84, NUX
VOMICA, Vol.I, No.2/84, IGNATIA Vol.I, No.3/84. The cure of chronic bowel diseases, have
been well documented in the case Reports in Vol.I, No.2/84. The justification and need for full-
fledged homoeopathic hospitals where even advanced pathology can be treated by homoeopathy
has been brought in Dr.Currim’s case reports in Vol.II, No.1/85. Multiple Sclerosis, in Vol.I,
No.2/84 is a testimony to homoeopathy’s efficiency in such incapacitating diseases. VISCUM
ALBUM is relevant in ‘extrasystole’ —— vide Vol.II, No.1/85. The symptoms and rubrics may
be added to the Repertory and Materia Medica. Characteristics of IPECACUANHA, drawn from
22 sources makes it an up-to-date and thorough study--Vol.II, No.1/85. The current number will
be found equally interesting.
Re-provings of some remedies have been done in the USA and Germany in the recent past which
confirm many of the earlier provings--DIOSCOREA, DIOSGENIN, BERBERIS, GLONOIN.
These will be given in the ensuing numbers of the DIGEST.
Which other homoeopathic Journal provide such selected and useful studies? None, to the best of
my knowledge, except our DIGEST, a NON-COMMERCIAL VENTURE, meant for those in
pursuit of excellence in knowledge and practice. Shouldn’t YOU support such a venture?
30
th
June 1985
Yours sincerely,
K.S. SRINIVASAN
1253, 66
th
Street,
Korattur,
Madras 600 080
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2.1 PAEDIATRIC CASES - Dean Crothers, MD
Homoeopathy reaps some of its greatest rewards in the treatment of children. It is
immensely satisfying to see how their future brightness and its possibilities open up for them
when the correct remedy is prescribed. The following three paediatric cases were chosen using a
computerized data collection system.
As a general rule, adult are more difficult to treat than children. An important part of the
information that homoeopathic physicians use in deciding upon a remedy comes from direct
observation of the child’s responses to the doctor and child’s interactions with his parents. The
remainder must be obtained from the parents’ observations of the child-and from the parents’
knowledge of the child’s past medical history. Physical examination is important, not only for
arriving at a diagnosis, but also for helping the physician chooses the correct remedy. The
homoeopathic medical practice encompasses the evaluation and treatment of the whole person,
mentally, emotionally, and physically and is much more than simply choosing a homoeopathic
remedy based on the patient’s symptoms. The following is a case in point:
Case 1: Pamela, a 2 yr. old girl, had problems with slow growth since age 1. At that time she had
a poor appetite for solid foods. Her parents discontinued milk but growth did not change. At 21
months wheat was removed from her diet. A blood test for allergies (the RAST test) was
performed. It showed multiple food allergies. All foods which had tested positive were
eliminated from her diet, but her growth rate remained well below normal. At this visit she was
below the 10th percentile for height. Her parents forced her to eat a diet of rice, barley,
buckwheat, fish and vegetables. She was obstinate (1). Her hair was thin and dry (1). She was a
cuddly loving child who was a little slower to learn than her other three siblings. Tended to cling
to mother a lot until a few months earlier, and was still shy around her grandparents. Irritable and
contrary if not fed immediately upon becoming hungry (2). Her mother always carried food for
her to nibble on. The mother was observed to be quite nervous and shy. Desired peanut butter (1)
and salad dressing (1). Desired things she could not have. Wanted meat and chicken but was not
allowed to eat them. Seldom got colds or flu.
Pamela was considered to be a relatively healthy child suffering from malnutrition. Her
symptoms at the first visit were physiological reactions to a poor diet lacking in essential
nutrients. These were not the symptoms of an unhealthy defense mechanism. Her symptoms
were not unusual, nor did they present a clear picture of a remedy. Parents were instructed to
forget Pamela’s food allergies and her allergy diet and to let her eat any nutritious food she
wanted, thus removing an obstacle to cure. No remedy was prescribed. Seen again one month
later:
Doing fine on a normal diet. No problems at all. She had gained a pound in the past six
weeks and was growing out of her clothes. Desired bread and peanut butter. Desired sweets (2)
which she sneaked surreptitiously. Formerly tired by 10 a.m. she now had good energy all
morning long. No longer needed to be fed with such urgency and her mother no longer felt a
need to carry food for her. Less fussy and more active.
With obvious improvement from her broader diet, there was no need to prescribe a
remedy at that time. Asked to return in three months, which she did, with following report:
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A head cold began soon after the last visit and lasted 2 weeks. Her mother became
worried and took her to an allopathic doctor. Otitis media was diagnosed and given
erythromycin. She did not improve and the antibiotic was repeated, and then changed to
amoxicillin, which was repeated, and finally she developed a severe case of urticaria with
swollen ankles and feet to the extent that she was unable to walk for three days. Approximately
six weeks later she again developed fever and was again amoxicillin by an allopathic doctor.
Two weeks later her mother gave her erythrornycin for a fever without consulting a doctor.
She was now irritable (2), weepy and constantly fussy (2). She was unusually tired,
though still more active than she had been before her allergy diet was discontinued. She now
weighed 26 pounds, a gain of two pounds in the past month. Her attention span was short and she
never wandered far from her mother. There was much whining (2). She awoke at 3 or 4 a.m.
wanting something to eat. Desired cooked cereal. Fearful if alone. She complained about redness
around her anus. Ask for things but when they were offered she would refuse them. She wept
easily if reprimanded (2) but easily consoled. She constantly wanted her mother’s attention (2).
Cheerful on waking (2).
Here we see the development of an acute illness which had been treated with repeated
doses of antibiotics. Pamela’s defence mechanism was overwhelmed by the allopathic drugs.
This suppression resulted in the development of symptoms on the emotional level, a clear
indication of a declining state of health.
Her irritability, whining and sensitivity with fear of being alone, weeping easily yet easily
consoled and waking each morning in a cheerful mood led to thoughts of Pulsatilla.
Her desire for sweets and ice cream added some confidence to the prescription.
Pulsatilla 200, one dose, was prescribed. She returned six weeks later:
Much better. She did have two upper respiratory infections since the last visit, but had
been fine since then. She was much less irritable and more cheerful. There had been a few spells
of irritableness in the past week. She still weighed 26 pounds. Though no longer whining, she
was fussy in the afternoon unless given something to eat. Her stools had become loose with
undigested food particles. She was much less demanding of her mother's attention. She was
waking at dawn hungry and fussy. She refused to play until she ate something, but a very small
amount of food satisfied her. (1) Desired sweets (2). Physical examination was normal, including
inspection of her ears.
We can see that after the remedy she was able to recover from two episodes of fever
without the use of antibiotics. Her emotional health improved a great deal. There had been some
interesting changes in her symptomatology. In particular, her desire for sweets had increased and
she now had easy satiety and digestive symptoms. This should make one consider Lycopodium
as a possible remedy to follow the positive response to Pulsatilla. At this time it was felt best to
wait for a clearer and stronger indication for a remedy. No remedy was prescribed. She returned
two weeks later.
For the past two weeks she had had diarrhoea with four stools per day. The stools were
loose and contained particles of undigested food (1). She awoke crying with hunger and
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frequently with an urge to stool four or five hours after going to sleep (2). Her mood was better.
Easy satiety during the day (1) but she ate larger amounts during the night and at breakfast.
Desired sweets (3). Would cry for sweets. She took a morning and an afternoon nap each day.
Her legs were restless during wakeful period at night (1). Fearful when alone (3) to cling tightly
to her mother (2). She was so fearful at church one morning when her mother left her in the
nursery that she wet her pants.
A new remedy picture had fully appeared, with a predominance of physical symptoms.
She had intestinal distress, easy satiety and for of being alone, with a greatly increased desire for
sweets. These symptoms made it easy to prescribe Lycopodium. A single dose of the 30th
potency was prescribed.
Next visit, one month later:
Her bowels cleared up. She no longer awoke hungry at night. Desired sweets (1) and milk (1).
The easy satiety had diminished. No longer clinging to her mother. Able to play alone outside
and enjoy herself. In general, much happier. She did not fill up as easily when eating. She had
not been clinging to her mother. Better at playing alone. Happier.
Obviously there was no reason to prescribe another remedy at that time. She had
improved on all levels. She continued to do very well for the next 3 months. She then had a
return of the irritability and whining and general unhappiness during a period of relative chaos.
The family was staying with first one set of relatives and then another during the process of
moving out of their old home and into a new one. The relapse was not complete, so it was felt
best to wait until the family had resettled before considering another prescription.
Case 2: Tina was a 4 yr. old girl who lived with her father and grandparents. Her grandmother,
who was her primary parent, brought her to the office for treatment of alopecia. Her parents
separated four years earlier and she had not seen her mother for eight months. Four months ago
the family had moved to a distant city. Her hair began to fall out three months ago, one month
after the move. Bald spots the size of a quarter had appeared the on the top of her head and on
the occiput. Two months ago she had been treated with cortisone topically. At this first interview
she was fearful lest I give her an injection. Refused to talk, although she apparently talked quite a
lot at home. She was self-conscious (2) and shy around stranger. She reacted with belligerence
when complimented by a stranger. If she were to take a fall or hurt herself, she would blame the
nearest person. She was unfriendly towards strangers (2). (She was unfriendly toward me and
acted sulkily. Said she did not like me). She was contrary (2) and had a fiery temper (2) Never
complained of having nothing to do. She was mischievous (1) but kind to younger children. She
was not friendly to people outside the family. Fear of the dark (1) Sensitive to teasing (2). Fear of
thunderstorms (1).
Though Tina's chief complaint was her loss of hair, the area of greatest limitation was on
the emotional level. Her belligerence and nastiness, together with the unusual presenting
symptom of hair falling out in spots, led to the prescription of Hew Sulphur 200. A single dose
was given. Her grandmother brought her back six weeks later with the following report:
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Her hair began growing back two weeks after the remedy. Others have observed that her
temper was less fiery and that her behavior was pleasant. Still shy (2). Still unable to be with
strangers, though not sneering at them any longer. Getting along better with her playmates.
Contrary (1). (She liked me that day) She was happier and no longer mischievous. Occasional
enuresis. Fear of the dark.
There can be no doubt that she was better in every way. This was a truly curative
response to the remedy. The child was brought again after 6 months as scheduled.
After the last visit, her hair grew back completely, but it began falling out again two
months ago. A bald patch on the vertex size of a quarter. Temperament was no longer fiery. Was
very outspoken, saying whatever was on her mind. She liked to interact with people(1). Enuresis
nightly. Less shy.
Although she was improved emotionally, there was a definite relapse of her physical
complaints over the past 2 months. A single dose of Hep.sul.1M was prescribed.
Her grandmother telephoned one month later that Tina's hair stopped falling out
immediately after the remedy and began growing back within a few weeks. She had enuresis
nearly every night but had not in the past two days.
The next case illustrates the value of unusual symptoms in choosing a remedy.
Case 3: Patty, a 5 yrs. She was seen for warts. She had 21 on her hands, mostly on her fingers,
plus four small ones around her mouth. Cryosurgery had been tried, but the warts only grew
larger. They appeared two years earlier. Her mother had had numerous warts, approximately 50,
when she was a child. The child also complained of frequent stomach aches. During the first four
years of her life, she suffered from severe constipation, often passing no stool for up to five days
at a time. She had pneumonia at age 7 days and twice more before age 6 months. Earlier she had
leg cramps so painful that she would awake screaming at night. The previous winter she had
otitis media six times, for which she received antibiotics. At the first visit she had a thick, yellow
nasal discharge (2) and her nose was usually stuffy during the winter (1). Her hair fell out when
brushed. She was imaginative and never at a loss for things to do. Fearful the house would catch
fire(2) and became angry if her mother left the kitchen without turning off the electric range. She
awoke at night and came to sleep in her parents' bed. At the office, she was alert, talkative and
open. Desired sweets (3) but they would cause her attention span to lessen. If something upset
her, she wanted to run away. Restless in bed. Some days she loved eggs and someday she hated
them. Generally averse to eggs (1). Desired pasta (2) cheese (2) and ice cream (2).
From age 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 she had a crusty eczema behind her ears and in the creases of her
elbows and knees. The eruptions cracked and tended to bleed. This eruption had decreased over
the past year.
Patty had very little that limited her on the emotional level. Her fear of a house fire was
the only significant emotional symptom presented. The center of gravity of her symptomatology
was on the physical level, and predominantly on its outermost layer, the skin. She complained of
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warts, leg cramps, nasal discharge, and she had a history of eczema and constipation. On seeing
these symptoms in a fairly healthy child with a desire for sweets, pasta (or "farinaceous" as it is
listed in Kent's Repertory, cheese and ice cream, one's thoughts go toward Calcarea carbonica. in
this case, the 200th potency was prescribed, in a single dose.
She returned one month later:
Three weeks ago her eczema reappeared behind both knees, worse on the left side. A few
days later it appeared behind her ears. Stomach pains had been occurring at night, in the morning
before and after eating, with no particular pattern. The pain lasted anywhere from a few minutes
up to hours. Stuffy nose with much thick, green discharge (2) over the past three weeks. Warts
were unchanged. She continued to be nervous at times. Desire for sweets had increased for 3
weeks after the remedy and than decreased. Fearful of a fire (2). Sticky, stringy nasal discharge
(2). Hair was not falling out as much on brushing. Desired pasta (2) and cheese (2) . There was
thick yellow discharge from the eczema behind the ear. The discharge formed a crust, which
when exposed a sticky fluid. She slept sprawled out on her back. Worse becoming cold (1).
Worse heat and cold (2).
The changes seen after Calc. were not what one would expect from a correct prescription.
There was no real improvement in her health. Case was carefully restudied. The strong and
peculiar symptoms of the case were the warts around her mouth, the large number of warts on
the hands, the thick, stringy nasal discharge, and the presence of eczema behind her ears and in
the bends of her elbows and knees. The totality of these symptoms suggested Psorinum, and a
single dose of the 200
th
potency was prescribed. She returned one month later.
A week after the Psorinum, the stomach pains diminished markedly. The eczema behind
her ear worsened for a few days and then cleared up within three weeks. Some redness remained
behind the knees. No changes in the warts. The leg pains were better. No constipation. Desired
sweets (2). Nose congested without discharge. Fearful of fire (2). Worse from heat and cold (2).
She responded to the remedy with an intensification of the skin symptoms behind the left
ear. This was a healing crisis. As the ear eruption cleared up, a similar condition, which also had
been present in the past, reappeared behind her knees. The change in location of the eczema was
from a higher on the body to a lower one, following Hering's law of cure. The stomach and leg
pains improved after the remedy, but the warts remained unchanged. This curative was allowed
to continue without interference. She returned two months later:
Following the last visit she was noted to be very jittery for 3 weeks. The eczema spread under
her left arm and down her left side. Then her warts became bright red. Her desire for sweets
steadily increased. One night, the eczema on her arms and in the bends of her joints disappeared.
The redness of the warts subsided and all but three warts disappeared. "She's a new kid:" said her
parents. Still complained of an occasional stomach ache. Desired sweets. Would now eat eggs.
Less jittery. No longer fearful of fire. No nasal stuffiness or discharge. No ear infections this
winter compared to the previous winter when she had six. Worse from heat and cold (2).
Again, no remedy because she had continued to show obvious improvement.
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She returned 3 months later with a four-week history of occasional mild stomach aches.
Intermittent leg cramps. Some moist, scaly redness behind her ears. Mother reported some
nervousness. Nose was fine and no warts at all. No remedy.
She returned in another 3 months with a relapse of her eczema behind her ears. Nasal
discharge, thick and yellow (2) had also returned. Leg pains on exertion (2). Aversion to eggs
(2).
Because of the relapse with no significant change in her symptomatology from that of the
first visit, Psorinum 1M was prescribed. There was no further follow up as of this date.
The preceding cases were chosen, not only because they presented problems in
management and in prescribing, but also because they illustrate some of the fundamental
principles of homoeopathy. These principles were discovered through careful study of patients
treated and cured by homoeopathic prescriptions. Through the continued study of cured cases
comes an expanded knowledge of the remedies and how they work, as well as insights into
human physiology and psychology. We can easily appreciate the need for thoughtful analysis of
the case before the prescription. Let us not forget the value of equally thoughtful analysis after
the prescription.
[From the JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF HOMOEOPATHY, Vol.77,
No.1, March, 1984; slightly condensed; by Dr. K.S.Srinivasan, Madras, for private
communication only.]
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2.2 ENURETICS AND THEIR PERSONALITIES - by J. BARBANCEY
Enuresis is the involuntary passage of urine which persists often after the age of 3 years
or which reappears after the third year. Etymologically it means the "in situ" expulsion of urine
without regard to place or time. Simply stated it is the nightly wetting (involuntarily, functional)
which occurs often in young boys and girls. Its development, modalities and cure are extremely
variable and it generally disappears during puberty, but sometimes it remains in the crucial 14--
15 years. In girls menstruation is not the 'physiologic substitution', the incontinence may even
become aggravated and cause despair.
ETIOLOGY: Enuresis must be considered in 3 ways: Organic (very often a thorough systematic
examination is neglected), Educational and Emotional; the last two ate intimately connected with
each other.
Organic causes may be general or of local nature.
GENERAL CAUSES: The incontinence may be one of the symptoms of general retarded
development with which the defects of co-ordination, alertness and control as also a more or less
emphasized mental retardation will be associated.
The persisting or re-occurring incontinence is almost always an accompanying
phenomenon of early symptoms of Schizophrenia.
It can be only symptom of Epilepsy which may occur without genuine convulsions. This
has to be considered before going into the aspect of psycho-analysis of the symptoms.
It may be met with in young hepatics; mostly the wetting occurs irregularly in the early
morning hours and in about one or two days leads to acetonaemic crisis.
It occurs almost always with children suffering from parasites.
LOCAL CAUSES: With reference to the number of Enuretics, are rather rare. Vertebral
anomalies, either deformities (spina bifida) or dislocations, particularly L4 and L5.
Anatomic anomalies of the uro-genital tracts. Hypo-and Epis- padic, Congenital stricture
of urethra.
Inflammation in urinary tract: Pyelitis, Colibacillus, inflammation of the adjacent parts
like vulvovaginitis. Enuresis, as accompaniment of cryptoorchism and Phimosis is so very rare
as to be taken as significant.
In all these enuresis is a symptom, sometimes during the day, mostly at night; it has an
echo in the mind which masks the organic cause or makes us overlook it. However, only
treatment of the cause can ensure the cure.
Besides the clearly defined organic diseases, there are physiological deficiency states
suspected to be cause for the enuresis, despite psychogenic influence. We will come to that
through some cases of certain types of enuretics.