Perhaps in no disease we are called upon to treat, do the different branches of the homoeopathic school, differ so much as in the treatment of Intermittent Fever. Even some who, in other diseases, place great reliance on the comparison of the symptoms of the disease and the drug symptoms; in this disease consider such a method of prescribing unreliable, and trust to experience, which generally means quinine ad libitum.
The writer has had, what many would consider to have been, a very moderate experience in this disease, certainly much less than most Western physicians can claim; but he supposes that it is as great as that of other physicians in New York of equal general practice, as he has never declined to treat any case of this affection. His experience in Intermittent Fever dates back about six years. The cases treated by him were of various kinds, some primary, others had been under allopathic physicians before his attendance. He proposes to give the practice and results as far as attainable; he has records more or less complete, of all the cases treated during the period aforementioned.
Every physician must be aware of the very great difficulty of obtaining the actual results of cases treated and as a consequence the acquiring of reliable statistics. Thus quite a number of cases of Intermittent Fever have come under my observation, that have been suppressed by quinine, and subsequently the paroxysms have returned. Now the physicians who prescribed the Quinine, no doubt thought they had cured the patients, and were very likely never undeceived. We are all liable to similar difficulties which tend to retard very much the acquisition of truth. The sources of fallacy are so numerous in our profession that great care is necessary to prevent medical facts becoming what they have been termed, “medical lies.” It is so much more satisfactory to publish cures than failures, that our medical journals are filled almost exclusively by successful cases; I have sometimes thought it would be more instructive to reverse the practice and publish for a time only the failures, it would at least be more consolatory to the younger practitioners who, I presume, are the most constant readers of the current literature. As it is now, the practitioner of moderate experience, regrets to find himself having worse success than others have had; cases which appear to have been cured by others without difficulty, he fails sometimes in curing; whereas if the absolute truth were known, he very likely has as good success as his predecessors. I do not intend to say that any deception is intended to be practiced, but that it is sometime unconsciously involved in the mode of reporting cases and results. Thus a physician may assert that he has cured several hundred cases of Intermittent Fever with Sulph. Quinine, but if he neglects to state the subsequent history of those cases, what proportion were left with chronic disease of liver or spleen, or in how many Phthisis developed itself, or the number that were left with the symptoms of Quinine poisoning, he will furnish us with but a portion of the truth- which in many cases is equivalent to falsehood.
Thus you can procure statistics to any extent to prove that Sulph., Quinine or other preparations of Cinchona will cure Intermittent Fever, without much reference to the particular indications of the individual case; because as soon as the chills stop it is considered as cured and a recurrence is enumerated as a new case.
The subsequent history appears to me to be of very great consequence in the reporting of cases. I shall endeavour in those which I present, to bear in mind the precepts which I have myself laid down, and have in view rather the presenting of reliable facts than cures. Some cases I am able to present with much less completeness than others, though I have been accustomed to keep daily records of cases usually written at the time of seeing the patient, whether at the bedside or in the office; they are not always as full as would be desired, nor are the particulars always such as would be preferred for publication, the immediate object being to enumerate those that I wished to bear in mind at the time of my next prescription. Thus I very frequently omit to state what symptoms are relieved but enumerate those present.
The cases will be presented in chronological order, corresponding to the commencement of treatment. I regret that some are incomplete in consequence of the omission of record.
CASE 1st.-Miss M., aet about 35, resided in Spring street, N. Y., where there is every reason to believe she contracted the disease, as she had not been away from home in a considerable period.
Visited her Sept. 5th. 1853. Had had paroxysms of chill, heat and sweat every other day, for nine days previously anticipating. Pains in the back and lower extremities, commencing with chill and relieved by perspiration. Vomiting greenish during chill that morning. Thirst and sighing respiration during hot stage. Sensation of general throbbing, sometimes semilateral.
I prescribed Bry.30 and Ars.30 alternately. On the 7th she had chill about 7 A. M.; on the 5th it had occurred at 8 P. M. Pulse 106 when I saw her during the sweating stage. Less pain and sighing respiration this morning. Vomiting greenish with chill. Expectoration of black matter of a salt taste. Chin.30 was given. I extract the following from my record:
8th. Slept better last night than she has previously done during sickness, though she woke at times as if frightened; two evacuations, black and offensive; cough at times with expectoration of blackish matter having a salt taste; sighing more frequent today; nausea after drinking Thirst. Pulse 84; dull pain in abdomen and in back; tongue blackish. Gave Chin. 200.
9th. Chill commenced at 6 A. M. (an hour earlier.) Pains in head and left hypochondrium commenced at 4 A. M. Has stiffness of neck and shoulders. Nausea commenced before chill. One evacuation, blackish. Thirst before and during paroxysms. Less cough or expectoration.
Gave Acon.30 during paroxysms, and Ars.30 to be taken during apyrexia.
11th. Chill commenced at 5 A. M.; at 4 P. M. had not perspired as yet. Woke up before chill with horrible dreams and headache. Cough better, expectoration less. Sighing during chill. Griping pains in abdomen. Pulse 82 at 4 P. M. Gave Ars.30 and Bry.30 alternately.
13th. Slept better than usual last night, woke up twenty minutes before four with headache and nausea. Escaped chill this morning. Vomiting of salt water; numbness of left thigh; expectoration yellow, slightly streaked with blood, once yesterday; eructation of wind; oppression in stomach after eating. Gave Ars.30, solution, at intervals of 4 hours.
17th. No chill; pulse 80; numbness in thing: expectoration frothy. Ars.30 and Lach.30 alternately.
She had no paroxysm subsequently. I am unable to state what medicines I gave her, as I have mislaid this portion of the record. I know that I visited her three times subsequently, and that on the 1st of October she was in her usual health. Although I have given the symptoms somewhat particularly, I have no doubt that others were present which, influenced me in the choice of a remedy, which I did not record.
The patient remained in her usual health until May 21st of the following year, eight months after the preceding sickness, when she had a slight chill, and another on the 23d. She called at my office on the 24th. The paroxysms consisted of chill, heat and slight perspiration. Aching pains in extremities, with chill. Slight headache after chill. Pains in left hypochondrium and in left chest, extending to shoulder. No appetite. Nausea. Tongue white. Constipation. Burning in face. Pain in occiput, extending to neck. Pulse feeble and frequent. Gave Ars.30 and Bry 30 .alternately.
On the 26th she called on me. I may state that all the prescriptions of this attack were at my office. Had chill on 25th, not so severe, followed by heat but no perspiration. Headache and pains in left chest and hypochondrium commenced with chill. I prescribed Nux-in-Sale.2. Solution, three hours interval.
30th. Very slight chill on the 27th, none yesterday but had aching pains, followed by heat but no perspiration. Pains in head, extending to neck, shoulders, and arm. Throbbing in left chest. Cough at times. Appetite better. Gave six powders of Nux vom.30, one to be taken each night.
June 12th. No severe chill, but on every alternate day creeping chills followed by heat, occur several times per day. Has been better as regards pains, until yesterday when she had severe pains in occiput, extending to nape of neck. Throbbing and burning in stomach increased after eating. Sharp pain in left side of chest extending to scapula with lameness of arm. Dry Cough from tickling or dryness in left side of throat pit. Gave Puls 30.
The paroxysms entirely ceased shortly after this date. I prescribed for her on the 24th of June; make no mention in my record of any febrile paroxysms. She had various neuralgic pains in head, neck and shoulders, to which she had been long subject.
From that time to the present she has been an occasional patient for her neuralgic troubles, as also for a whitlow, and one or two attacks of acute bronchitis; but no symptoms which could reasonably be attributed to the influence of Intermittent Fever have made their appearance.
CASE 2.-P. R., aet 6 1/2, resided at Morrisania, Westchester co., N.Y., where I visited her Sept. 17th 1853. The only record I have is of my first visit. The paroxysms consisted of coldness of hands and feet, with heat of other parts, followed by general heat with partial perspiration. Headache, nausea and thirst with hot stage.
From my ledger I ascertain that I visited her from the above date to the 11th of October, every three or four days.
From memory I can state that the paroxysms were tertian and that they became less and less severe until they entirely ceased. She has never had any return of the disease. I continue to practice for the family, so that I can testify that she has never had any symptoms to be attributed to the effects of the Intermittent Fever.
I cannot say what remedies I gave her, but they were all given in the higher dilutions, probably uniformly the 30th.
CASE 3.-Thomas K., a laborer who has been working in New Jersey, where he contracted the fever. May 6th, 1854. Has had four paroxysms on alternate days; the first chill occurred at 10 A. M., the last at noon. Headache and thirst during heat. Aching in bones since he has had the fever. Tongue trembling, margins red. Ars.3, a dose every three hours.
May 9th. No chill since. Ars.6, a dose every four hours.
May 15th. No chill. Feels weak. Perspiration after slight exertion and during sleep. Appetite improving. Ars.200.
The patient stated to me several years after that he had had no return of disease.
CASE 4. Miss A. C, aet about 18. June 10th 1854. Contracted the Intermittent Fever at a town in Connecticut, on the borders of the Sound, last July. The paroxysms have been suppressed several times with Quinine. Has now tertian paroxysms. Headache with heat. Ars.30, a dose every three hours.
June 12. Chill commenced at 10 A. M., followed by heat. Coldness of feet during heat. Headache commenced during latter part of chill. Thirst before and after heat. Tongue trembling. Pulse, at the time of my visit (I presume during heat) 110. Acon.30 during paroxysms, Nux30 afterwards.
June 14th. Slight coldness of feet this morning. Pulse 78, No thirst today. Was quite weak yesterday. Sweat during sleep last night. Nux30.
June 16th. No chill since. Pulse 72 Nux30.
June 19th. Slight coldness of hands, and creeping chilliness in back on the 17th inst. Nux30.
June 21st. Slight coldness in back this morning. Nat. mur.30.
June 22d. Coldness of feet this morning, preceded by aching in abdomen. Burning in eyes. Chin.30
July 2d. Felt quite chilly on 30th ult, and on 1st inst. (regular day.) On the 30th ult. had dyspnea with oppression of chest. Cough excited by tickling in throat pit with excoriation in chest and dryness in throat. Phos.30
July 6th. No chilly feelings since. Slight cough. Phos.30'.
July 14th. Slight diarrhea on the 12th-chilly at times. Improving in all respects. Nux30.
This patient required no further treatment though I saw her occasionally afterwards, as I had other patients in the same family. She had no return of the Intermittent Fever, I have heard to that effect within a few months past.
CASE 5.-Mrs. L. residing in a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city where Intermittent Fever is quite prevalent.
Aug. 9th, 1854. Was confined two weeks since. On the 5th inst. had a chill followed by heat and perspiration, returned on 7th inst., and again today. Oppression in chest with dyspnea before chill, continuing during whole paroxysm.
Headache commences with heat and continues afterwards. Thirst during heat. Throbbing in back.I prescribed Acon. 30 during paroxysm and Ars.30 subsequently.
I did not visit the patient again as the husband had a fear of the expense, but she subsequently informed me that the fever left her after a few paroxysms. I have seen her several times within the past year and learned that there had been no return of the disease.
CASE 6.-James P. resided at Morrisania-was brought to my office Aug. 9th, 1854. Paroxysms on 7th and this morning. I prescribed Ars.6 during apyrexia and Acon.30 during paroxysms.
I heard subsequently that he was placed under allopathic treatment.
CASE 7.-Margaret Hearn applied at Central Homoeopathic Dispensary, Sept. 30th, 1854. A year before she had contracted the Intermittent Fever in Illinois. Had taken Quinine repeatedly, with the effect of suppressing the paroxysms for a few days. Thirst most of time. Faint sensation at pit of stomach frequently. Had not menstruated since birth of last child, eighteen months before; had usually menstruated during lactation. Sulph. 30 was prescribed, with what effect is not known as we never heard from her afterwards.
CASE 8.-Cath. Ray, aet 16, came to Central Homoeopathic Dispensary October 6th, 1854. Had had Tertian Intermittent for two weeks previously. Thirst before and during chill, less during heat. Headache during heat and sweat. Prescribed Nux6, a dose morning and evening.
Oct. 10th. Chill occurred earlier yesterday-came on at 4 A. M. Gave Chin.30
Oct. 14th. Better-chill less severe, little or no heat following. Prescribed Sacch. Lact.
No further report was received from this patient.
CASE 9.-Maria C, aet about 9-saw her first, May 1st, 1855. Since last September subject to Tertian Intermittent, fever contracted in Williamsburgh, L. I. Has been suppressed at times with Quinine. Paroxysms have now continued three weeks.
Chill short, occurs between noon and 1 P. M., followed by heat during which she goes to-sleep-then perspiration. Complexion sallow. Has complained of pain in epigastrium and right hypochondrium. Thirst during heat and perspiration. Ars.30 was prescribed.
May 4th. Very slight chill on 2d inst., scarcely any today. Was well enough at usual time of chill to eat her dinner. Ars.30 was continued.
May 9th. No chill since. Had fever yesterday after eating a hearty dinner. Continued Ars.30
16th. Had rather severe chill on the 10th inst. and has been somewhat unwell on alternate days since. Colic and nausea during paroxysms. Prescribed Verat.30
21st. Chills on 19th and 20th, followed by slight heat and perspiration on palms and forehead. Thirst with heat and sweat. Inclined to sleep with heat. Nux6 was prescribed.
26th. Chill every day, followed by heat then perspiration. Chill at 1 P. M. continues about an hour, heat short. Perspiration on forehead and upon hands. Headache and nausea with heat and sleepiness as usual. Face became swollen and more yellow than usual after heat. Puls.30 was given.
29th. Chills every day but light. Awoke hungry today after paroxysm. Ars.6 was given.
June 2d. A slight chill on 30th ult. Continued Ars.6 19th. No chill since. Gave Ars.30
This patient has had no chill from that time'to the present. She has enjoyed good health and recovered entirely from the sallow complexion she had when I first saw her.
CASE 10.-Mary M. B., aet about 4, June 24th, 1855. This patient had had chills for some days, had been prescribed for by an allopathic physician. She was thought to have acquired the disease in the country where other members of the family had contracted it. At the first visit I simply record that she had thirst during chill, and tongue white, and that I gave Ars.30
26th. Chill with trembling at 5 1/2 A. M., preceded by blueness of lips and of hands. Prescribed Ars.6
27th. Was sent for in consequence of her having epistaxis. Gave Bell.30
28th. Pulse 140 during perspiration. Heat during whole night. Had no chill but only coldness of cheeks. Slept during heat and perspiration. vomiting greenish. Urine of a deep brown color. Acon.30 was give until afternoon then Natr-mur.30
29th. Visited her but omitted record.
30th. Heat commenced at 3 1/2 A. M. Perspiration less rapid during heat today. Is very irritable. Puts her hand to head as though she had headache. Urine more abundant. Continued Natr-mur.30
July 2d. Fever commenced at 1 A. M. Pulse at 10 A. M. 120. Sleep during fever. No perspiration. Complained of headache. Continued Natr-mur. 30
4th. No record, except that I prescribed Ipecac30, then Eupat.8
July 6th. Coldness of skin about 7 P. M., especially of arms, succeeded by heat but no thirst. Sleep during heat. After heat coldness of feet, with heat of head and face. Moans during sleep. Respiration short during fever. I prescribed Puls.30 and Acon.30 to be given during paroxysm.
7th. Chill at 3 P. M., followed by heat. Thirst during heat. Sighing respiration and short cough. Continued Puls.30
At this time I went out of town, leaving the case in charge of another physician but for some reason the family declined his services. I never ascertained whether they recalled their allopathic physician or not. The child got well, I know.
CASE 11.-While attending this child I was requested to prescribe for the mother, who had had her chills suppressed for three weeks by Quinine. On the 29th and 30th of June had creeping chills in back with general coldness, occurred after dinner. Headache and aching in back and lower extremities, with chilliness. Thirst with heat and sweat. Heaviness in head and sensation of rawness in stomach during apyrexia. Ars.6 was prescribed on the 2d of July, on the 4th Nux6 and Sep.30. Symptoms not mentioned.
5th. Pulse 90. No chill up to time of my visit. Headache. Throbbing in occiput on walking. Nux6 was given.
6th. No chill yesterday. Continued Nux6.
CASE 12.-In July 1855, Mrs. M. arrived in New York from the South, where she had been spending several months in consequence of the failing health of her son. She had before going South been attacked with Intermittent Fever, and had been under the medical treatment of two physicians of our school, for whom I entertain a high regard but with whom I do not agree on every point: they had administered Quinine to her and informed her that it was the only reliable remedy. The effect in her case was not flattering, as she would have an attack of chills and fever every few weeks and have to resort to Quinine. During her sojourn in the South she had repeated paroxysms of the fever, and was prescribed the inevitable Quinine.
Shortly after her return to New York she was attacked by her old enemy, the chills. The circumstances were certainly unfavorable, she was the only nurse of her son who required constant watching, at night as well as during the day. She was worn down by her exertions.
On the 20th of July she had a chill, preceded by nausea and thirst. I gave her China30.
21st. Severe chill on rising at 8 A. M., with nausea and headache. Chill continued two hours followed by heat with chilliness on movement, the general perspiration. Prescribed Rhus-rad30.
23d. No chill, but had coldness of feet, followed by heat about 8 A. M., succeeded by perspiration, Had burning in feet and aching in ankles, more at time of chilliness. Continued Rhus-rad30 at intervals of two hours.
24th. No chill. Pulse 100. Commenced to feel unwell about 11 1/2 A. M., had nausea and headache. Continued Rhus-rad30.
25th. No chill. Pulse 98. Continued Rhus-rad30.
I continued to visit her son daily but had no occasion to prescribe for her, as she had no return of the chills, nor has she up to the present time. It will be observed that only two remedies were given, China30 and Rhus-rad30. I presume I have not noted all the indications which led me to prescribe these, as my attention was mainly taken up with her son's case. I may mention that she continued to nurse her son during her own sickness, excepting during the occurrence of the paroxysms when she was totally unable to be up.
CASE 13.-George Gracie, aet 15, Sept 6th 1855, came to Dispensary. Had chill yesterday, followed by heat then sweat. Aching in legs with chill. Headache during heat and sweat. Had Intermittent Fever a year since. Prescribed Ars6 morning and evening.
CASE 14.-Mary Kelly, Dispensary patient, Sept. 21st, 1855. Intermittent Fever of five weeks standing. Has been taking Quinine which suspended chills for two weeks. They returned a week ago. Chills occur every day. Pains in back and left hypochondrium during cold stage. Constant nausea; no appetite. Ars.6
Sept. 25th. Chills have been lighter since. Continue Ars6.
Oct 18th. No chills: is gaining strength.
Feb. 1859. Had had no return of chills.
CASE 15. Mrs. C., residing at Morrisania, Westchester Co. N.Y. Prescribed for her, Oct. 28th, 1855, from statement of her mother, a monthly nurse. The patient had had Intermittent Fever for some time past, and had been treated allopathically. Had chill in evening followed by cold, clammy sweat, then heat, micturition difficult, constipation and hemorrhoids. Pains between scapulae. Thirst during heat. Sent Nat-mur30.
Nov. 5. Heard that the chills subsided after 2nd day of taking the Nat-mur30. Slight return last night. Has pains in the chest, extending to back, and pains in shoulders. Sent Nux30.
22nd. No chills nor fever since. Complains of severe sharp pains in chest extending to back, preventing her from taking a full inspiration. Sent Bry 30.
I sent her medicine on the 17th of December, but made no record, but I heard a short time subsequently that she was well.
CASE 16.- Francis Hopkins, Dispensary patient. Nov. 27th, 1855. Eight weeks since, was attacked with irregular chills which have continued in anticipating paroxysms notwithstanding he has been taking Quinine, Mercury, &c. Perspiration with hot stage. Headache with heat. Swelling of legs and feet. Diarrhea most of the time of his sickness-now has it. Prescribed Ars6.
29th. Mother reported him better. Continued Ars6. No further record.
CASE 17.-Mrs. B., an aged lady had been the subject of Chronic Hepatitis, and Chronic Bronchitis for many years, when in 1856 I was called to treat her for Intermittent Fever, contracted during a temporary residence in New Jersey. I record April 23rd. Severe chill on 21st and again today. Ars12.
28th. Paroxysms anticipating every alternate day. Not so severe since taking the Ars. Cough with chills. Continued Ars12.
May 4th. No chills since 27th ult. Cough on lying down and on rising in morning. Expectoration of tough mucus and of purulent matter and blood. Cough excited by oppression of chest. Ars30.
22nd. Slight chill day before yesterday. Ars30.
June 21st. Yesterday had sensation as though the chills would come on. Ars30.
23rd. Chilly on 20th and yesterday, followed by heat then sweat. Thirst during cold and hot stages. Constipation. Bry30.
After this she had no return of the Intermittent Fever. She died in October 1857 from her chronic affections.
CASE 18.-Mary McG. June 26th, 1856. Chills every alternate day for two weeks. Anticipating. Vomiting with chills. Soreness in extremities, and weakness with heat, tongue white. Paroxysms commenced at 1 A. M. today. Prescribed Ars30., a dose every 2 hours.
29th. Chill at 9 o'clock last evening, hot stage very short succeeded by perspiration. Vomited 'during chill. Quite restless last night. Pulse 88. Prescribed Ign3 °., a dose every 3 hours.
30th. Severe chill last night, then heat and perspiration. Vomiting with chill. Prescribed Cedron1, solution, a dose every 3 hours.
July 2nd. Chill yesterday at 2 P. M., lasting severely about half an hour, then heat until 5 1/2 P. M., then perspiration commenced and continued two hours. Vomiting and retching with chill. Continued Cedronl.
7th. No chill today. Feels quite weak. Pulse 104. Tongue brownish. Bitter taste in mouth on waking. Pulse 104. Continued Cedronl at intervals of 4 hours.
9th. No chill since. Feels weak. No appetite. Bitter taste in mouth. Pulse 104. Prescribed Chin30.
13th. No chill nor fever since. Appetite good. No medicine was given.
CASE 19.-While in Phillipsburgh, N. J., in the Fall of 1856, I was requested to prescribe for the coachman of the family with whom I was staying. He had been suffering for several months from Intermittent Fever, during which time he had been under Allopathic treatment. The disease had been suppressed for short periods. When I saw him the paroxysms had continued for several days. As I made no record of the case I cannot state any further particulars, excepting that I gave him several powders of Ars3°.; one to he dissolved in half a tumbler of water and two teaspoonfuls taken every three hours without regard to paroxysms.:
I have seen and heard from this case several times. He has had no paroxysms since my prescription.
CASE 20.-Wm. Smith. Sept. 11th, 1856. Intermittent Fever for nine months. Has taken Quinine. It suppressed fever for two weeks repeatedly, and once for six weeks. Chill yesterday, the first in two weeks; followed by fever, then sweat. Swelling of spleen and dull pain, especially on inspiration. Tongue brown, paroxysms sometimes tertian and at others double tertian. Ars 6, sol.; 4 hours.
15th. Chill 12th and 14th. Cough from irritation in chest. Lach6., sol.; 3 hours.
17th. No chill yesterday. Cough better. Feels stronger. Lach6.
24th. No chill until yesterday; had then dumb ague, followed by heat, slight, no sweat. Is stronger than he was. Appetite good. Lach6 Has remained well since.
CASE 21.-Catharine Otto, about 2 1/2 years of age, April 27th, 1857, had Intermittent Fever in Michigan for two or three months. During past three months has been free from paroxysms. It is almost unnecessary to state that she took an abundance of Quinine.
Since a week ago yesterday, has had chills every alternate day. Paroxysms are rather shorter than they were-commenced with yawning and stretching. Prescribed Ars200., solution, a dose every hour.
29th. Chill commenced at 6 A. M., earlier, and fever higher than previously. Prescribed Bry7., solution, every two hours.
30th. Convulsions occurred at 4 1/2 A. M.-had one in Mich. Head hot and perspiration on head. Sleeps with eyes open. Prescribed Lach30”., solution, every three hours, and Bell30, to be given in the event of convulsions occurring.
May 1st. Had three convulsions last night No chill nor stretching this morning. Prescribed Nux30“, and Cuprum met'*, to be given if convulsions occurred.
2nd. High fever. Pulse 140. No convulsions. Wakes with a start and delirium. Short cough at times. During sleep, twitching and jerking. Prescribed Bell 30., solution, every three hours.
4th; Pulse 120. Neither convulsions nor chill since. Is quite fretful this morning. Cough loose.Bell30.
6th. Neither chill nor convulsions. Restless at night. Urine scanty. Bowels costive. Nux30 every three hours.
Ten days after last date I called and found her quite well. Have not heard since.
CASE 22.-Mrs. Bridget Caniff, aet. 40-visited her in West 17th street, May 12th, 1857. For three and a half weeks has had paroxysms every second day, but for three days past they have been daily. Paroxysms consist of chill with sensation of internal heat, then general heat, afterwards perspiration. Thirst with cold and hot stages. Headache during chill. Pulse 80 during chill. Has had allopathic treatment ever since her sickness. Ars8., solution, every three hours.
16th. No chill since-has almost constant perspiration. Says she has had noise in head since she was sick. Tongue brown and dry. Had pain in epigastrium last night-her friends put mustard on her. Bitter taste in mouth. Nausea. Pulse 72. Ars6. every two hours.
18th. Chills on 16th and 17th in afternoon; thought she was going to have a chill half an hour ago, but the feeling has passed off. Coldness of lower extremities, and thirst with chill. Nux6, solution, every three hours.
20th. Severe chill on afternoon of 18th. Yesterday coldness. Perspiration sour smelling, constant and very profuse, stains clothes yellow. Talks to herself when alone. Merc. v3., solution every three hours.
22nd. Chills lighter than they were. Still has profuse perspiration. Pulse 72 in afternoon. Merc .v3., sol., every 2 hours.
24th. No chills since. Continued Merc.
27th. Heat in afternoon then sweat-no chill. The perspiration not so profuse but is cold. Has not slept very well for two nights. Less thirst. Continued Merc3, also gave Coff 3 at night.
30th. No chill; no perspiration excepting during sleep. Very little fever at any time. Sleeps pretty well. Had six evacuations yesterday, which she attributes to the Coff3, (had been costive previously). Continued same treatment.
June 3rd. Is up and about. Only symptoms are cool perspiration, noise in ears and sleeplessness. Continued same treatment.
10th. Has been working. Has slept better during past week. Transient heat at times. For several days past has had a pain in vertex with vertigo and heat in abdomen, below epigastrium. Carb-veg30.
19th. Noise in head and sensation of weakness in stomach. Pul6. three times a day.
CASE 23.-Miss L. had resided in North Carolina for several years where she contracted Intermittent Fever. The disease had been repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. I visited her in Brooklyn, L. L, Aug. 24th 1857. On the 19th, 21st and 23nd she had had paroxysms of her complaint. They consisted of chill then heat but scarcely any perspiration. During whole of previous night had been hot-when I saw her in morning had slight perspiration on wrists. Thirst during chill; drinking seemed to increase the chilliness. Headache, nausea and general pains with chill and heat. Nat-mur30., solution, every three hours.
25th. Saw her at 7Ľ P. M. Pulse 64. Had had no chill; had slight aching pains. Slept better last night than she had of late. Continued Nat-mur 30.
27th. No chill. About 7 this evening had slight nausea. Last night during sleep slight perspiration. Continued Nat-mur30 three times a day.
This patient has had no return of the disease up to the present time.
CASE 24.-Wm, B. Jr., aet. 20, resides at Newtown L. I. where Intermittent Fever is quite prevalent. Sept. 2nd, 1857, three weeks since had a chill, ever since then heat and perspiration during sleep. Thirst constantly. Is quite pale and weak. Has dreams which wake him. Bowels costive. Has taken Deshler's pills. Pulse 80 when at my office. Prescribed Ars30., three powders per day.
4th. Feels better. Says his appetite is fair now; had none before I saw him. Continued Ars30.
9th. Thinks himself better. Has perspiration during sleep. Prescribed Fer. met3., morning and night.
14th. Feels pretty well, except that he has quite profuse night sweats. Yesterday after riding in a draught of air, felt chilly. On rising after lying down has a shooting in occiput. Pulse 112 Prescribed Bell16., morning and night.
21st. Better. For last two nights has had no night sweats. Pulse 88. Continued Bell15.
This patient remained well subsequently. I heard from him March 27th, 1859. He had enjoyed perfect health since.
CASE 25.-Mrs. A. became a patient of mine Feb. 10th, 1858, in consequence of being the subject of mental disease. She had always been subject to depression of spirits, but since having Intermittent Fever two years before, for which she took Quinine, the symptoms of mental disorder had been much more marked. She was sleepless, fearful of being poisoned, had refused to take medicine, and sometimes declined to see any physician. She said herself, that she felt confused and excited. It is not my purpose to report her case in full, as I shall probably take occasion to do so at some future time in connection with other cases of mental disease.
She had had returns of chills and fever; the last occurred about the 1st of Jan., and was accompanied by aggravation of mental symptoms-on the 14th of Feb. I record:
For three nights past she has had a sensation of coldness in left side of head at 10 P. M., continuing an hour; afterwards heat and fullness in same region and in ear, lasting two or three hours. Had improved in other respects. I gave her Bry12., solution, every four hours.
On the 16th I record:-Last night the cold stage consisted only of a sensation as if a hair were raised up. Finds she can stand much more excitement than she could. From this time she continued gradually to improve in her mental and physical condition, so that she, within a few weeks was enabled to go out about the city, which she had not been able to do for several months previously. She had no return of the Intermittent Fever until the latter part of May.
On the 31st of May I record:-On the 26th, 28th and 30th had chills. Coldness commenced in feet extending to knees, accompanied by severe pains in head, so that she expressed an “apprehension of going distracted;” afterwards heat of feet. Perspiration during chill and following heat. No thirst. Quite excited after fever. On lying down vertigo and nausea. Puls6. every three hours.
She came to my office and gave me the preceding account. I prescribed for her once subsequently for the same attack, but omitted to make a record. I think she had one or two more paroxysms, and that I continued the same prescription. She has had no return since of the fever, and has entirely recovered from her mental difficulties.
CASE 26.-Mr. Y., nervous temperament, dark hair and eyes, came under my professional care June 14th, 1858. His case was peculiar in many respects, and I have had my doubts whether it deserved a place among these cases of Intermittent Fever.
He is a Methodist clergyman, but for a while discontinued his active duties as a minister and became a school teacher, teaching both day and night school. When his last vacation came he went off on a preaching tour by way of recreation. Became at this time quite nervous and sleepless. About two months before I saw him, thought he took cold, had cough; and his physician said he had a fever; he was quite weak, but was not confined to the house.
About the first of June had a chill, followed by heat and partial sweat, these symptoms recurred every 2nd day for a week, but during the week preceding my visit to him, they had been daily. Chills usually about 1 P. M., commenced in back, not much coldness of other parts, even has warm hands during chill. Sweat on chest and abdomen. Slight cough with chill. Pulse 124 (at 5 P. M.) Seemed to feel cold during hot stage. Tongue heavily coated brown. Slept better since he had the chills. Headache during heat. Prescribed Bry7., solution, every three hours.
Saw him again on the 17th inst., at 11 A. M. His pulse was 84. On 15th chill at 12 1/2 P. M.; on 16th at 3 1/2 P. M. Swelling of feet since the 15th. Ascertained the following additional particulars in regard to his case:
Until 1st of May last, he lived at Williamsburgh. None of his family ever had Intermittent Fever there. During the first period of his disease, had thirst, hacking cough, and night sweats. Had no heat of surface, but would complain of soon being too warm when the temperature was not high. During latter part of May went to Troy for the purpose of improving his health. Had then a fair amount of strength, but after the chills commenced lost strength rapidly. He now goes down stairs to breakfast but remains in his room the remainder of the day. Prescribed Puls6., solution, every three hours.
Visited him again on 21st. Pulse, at 10Ľ A. M., 78 when he was lying down. Chills commenced on 18th at 3 1/2, 19th at 4 and on 20th at 4 1/2 P. M. The paroxysms terminate about the same time as when the chills commenced, at noon. Is stronger than he was; can dress himself with much greater ease. Not so much swelling of feet, they pit on pressure. At times has a wheezing sound in trachea. Did not sleep well last night. Continued Puls6.
On the 24th at 8 A. M. found his pulse 116, on 22nd and 23rd chills at 3 1/2; this day chill at 4 P. M.; now in profuse perspiration. Has been quite irritable of late. Complains of having unpleasant dreams. Has less cough with chill. Flatulence after chill. Nux6., solution, every three hours.
On the 27th at 5 1/2 P. M., found his pulse 114 during hot stage. Chill at 3 8/4 P. M., for three days. Has slept better and mind has been in more normal condition. Coughs less frequently. Has several covers over him although his skin is warm and the weather is warm.
July 1st. at 5 P. M., pulse 112. Chill daily at 3 1/2 P. M.; the hot stage following is less severe and does not continue so long as it did. He seems weaker. Dryness of mouth during hot stage. Prescribed Chin3., solution, every three hours.
6th. At 10 8/4 A. M. Pulse 85. The paroxysms of fever have been earlier but slighter. Cold stage simply consisting of a creeping in back; hot stage less in severity and duration. His mind has been more composed and he has slept well, not having the unpleasant dreams which he had some time ago. Appetite fair. Has appeared to have more strength. Continued Chin3.
10th. 8 1/2 P. M. Pulse 84. No chill nor heat for four days past. Is gaining strength.
14th. 5 1/2 P. M. Pulse 104. Chills daily since 12th, at 2 P. M.; then heat, afterwards profuse sweat. Prescribed Ars6., solution, every three hours.
18th. 4 P. M. Pulse 100 during sweat. Chills daily, today rather earlier than usual, occurred at 1 P. M. Dryness of lips and throat and heat in head during hot stage. Burning in stomach extending to esophagus after heat. Prescribed Nux6., solution, every three hours.
22nd. 8 P. M. Pulse 80. Escaped chill yesterday, but today it occurred earlier than usual, about noon, and continued two hours. Pains in back before chill on 20th. Burning in stomach extending to esophagus. Has had pain in right hypochondrium and in left shoulder. Thinks he took cold on 19th inst. Prescribed Rhus12., solution, every three hours.
26th. 1 1/2 P. M. Pulse 124. Chill at noon today. On 23rd went out walking, walked nearly a mile- This morning rode out quite a distance; came home at 11 1/2 A. M., ate his dinner and at 12 had a chill. The hot stage has not been so severe for some time past. Prescribed Bry7., solution every three hours.
30th. 1 P. M. Pulse 100. No chill since 27th. Since yesterday pain in right chest, sensation of excoriation, worse after speaking. After an evacuation on 28th had discharge of some blood. Feels weak. Prescribed 6 Lye6., 3 powders a day.
August 3rd. 4 1/2 P. M. Pulse 112 and full. No chill since. Thought he had no fever. Has had some pain in lower part of sternum and in pit of stomach. Cough slight, excited by irritation in pit of stomach. Appetite fair. Does not sleep as well as he did. Skin now rather warm with perspiration on forehead. Bowels have been somewhat relaxed, has had two evacuations per day. Prescribed Nat-mur6.
7th. 5 P. M. Pulse 100. No chill, but has perspiration in morning and on first going to sleep at night Has not slept well. Prescribed Chin3 ., solution, every three hours,
12th. 10 1/2 A. M. Pulse 102. No chill since. Does not feel hot at any time. Has perspiration during early part of night, especially about head, neck and chest. Walks out every morning. Tongue lightly coated brownish. Appetite rather moderate. Bowels inclined to constipation, although he has an evacuation each day. Has a sensation of oppression in left chest, especially on lying down at night. Slight cough on lying down, excited by irritation in sternum. Prescribed Bell12., solution, every three hours.
16th. 4 1/2 P. M. Pulse 94. Appears better. Skin moist and cool. Sleeps better, but perspires on first going to Bleep. Continued Bell12.
24th. 12 1/2 P. M. (noon) Has been free from pain of any kind daring past week. Has had two attacks of diarrhea, which yielded to Ars., that I had left conditionally. Has slight hacking cough, especially after speaking and on lying down at night. Thinks himself stronger. Prescribed five powders of Lach 30., to be taken morning, noon, and at night.
31st. Pulse 92, morning. Bowels slightly relaxed, has an evacuation morning and evening. Has coughed somewhat more than he did. Expectoration increased. Coughs more when lying on left side. Has been quite restless at night. Prescribed Phos12. three times a day, and 1 Coff 30 at night.
Sept. 7th. Pulse 100. Has been much better during past week. Yesterday walked out several hours. Bowels quite well until last night, since then relaxed, this he attributes to eating a melon, which was not very fresh. Took Are. for diarrhea. Has cough less. Continued Phos12.
This was my last visit to him. He has had no return of chills up to the present time. He has a slight cough. I examined his chest repeatedly, but was unable to discover any physical signs of disease.
CASE 27.-Mr. S., June 20th, 1858, while in the country last fall, contracted chills and fever; had a return of paroxysms about three weeks ago. Had three daily paroxysms, then escaped chills until 9th inst., when he took cold and had them daily until day before yesterday. Previously to present time he has been under Allopathic treatment. This morning drank a glass of ice water, after which he felt very cold, wanted to sit near the stove although the day was quite warm. Pulse 88. For two days past swelling of feet, legs and thighs. Feet pit on pressure. He appears pale, and face is puffed. Has a suffocative cough. Prescribed Ars6., solution every two hours.
21st. No chills today. His hands are stiff from the dropsical effusion. Continued Ars6., solution.
22d.3? P. M. Pulse 76. Chill at 11 A. M. Had general coldness, followed by heat with headache, then perspiration during sleep. Prescribed Nux 6, solution, every three hours.
25th. Came to office. No chill on 23d. Yesterday slight coldness followed by heat, then perspiration. Less swelling of feet. Face appears much thinner. Less hoarseness. Continued Nux6, four times a day.
29th. On 27th, heat, but no chill. Coughs less. Dryness in throat. Feet still swollen. Ars6. three times a day.
July 8th. No chill nor heat since. The dropsical swelling has entirely disappeared. Feels very well. Inclined to constipation. Prescribed 7 powders of Nux6, one at night.
July 19th. Has been quite well until today, when he has been chilly for three hours, followed by heat then free perspiration. Swelling of hands and feet today-nausea last night-Ars6. every three hours.
21st. About 11 A. M. felt cold with numbness of fingers and aching in back; heat for a short time following; perspiration all the afternoon. Thirst during whole paroxysm. Nausea before and during paroxysm.
27th. Neither chill nor heat since. Has dryness of throat, at times. Excoriation on deglutition. Several loose evacuations today. Bell12., morning and evening, and Ars6., if necessary for diarrhea.
Aug. 10th. Bowels loose this morning, the last evacuation was bloody and slimy. Merc12.
This patient has enjoyed perfect health since.
CASE 28.-Wm. B. Sen., June 24th, 1858. Intermittent Fever commenced eight weeks since; continued four weeks; then was suppressed by Deshler's Pills for three weeks. Chills were daily until 20th inst.; since have occurred every second day. Today had chill at 8 A. M., succeeded by high fever, then profuse sweat. Before chill pains in knees. Thirst with heat. Pulse at 6 P. M. 92. Prescribed Ars6., solution, every three hours.
28th. Chills have not been so severe since-on 26th had nausea instead of chills. Chill this morning at 5 A. M. Headache with heat. Constipation. Swelling in stomach. Prescribed Nux3, three times a day.
I saw his wife March 27th, 1859, when she stated to me that her husbands paroxysms continued about a week after my last prescription, since then he has enjoyed perfect health.
CASE 29.-Sarah L., residing at West Hoboken, N. Y., a locality where Intermittent Fever prevails quite extensively. July 20th, 1858, her father called upon me; said his daughter was attacked with chill, followed by high fever with delirium on the 18th inst. Yesterday she was “about,” but was not quite well. This afternoon had coldness of hands followed by exceedingly high fever and headache. Sent Acon12. and Bell12 ., to be given alternately during paroxysms, and Ars6., solution, every three hours during apyrexia.
29th. After taking the Acon. and Bell, on the 20th, fever moderated. Has not had delirium since. Had slight chills followed by moderate heat on 22d, 24th and 26th. Yesterday escaped altogether, and has appeared well in every respect since. Continued Ars6., solution, every three hours.
Aug. 5th. Had a chill on 29th ult., none at any other time. Continued Ars6.
Sept. 18th. Slight paroxysms every 2d day for a week past. Not sick at any other time. Prescribed Cedron1, solution, every four hours.
June 2nd, 1859. Remained well until about a month since when she had three or four chills, occurring on alternate days and ceasing spontaneously. Is now well with the exception of a Goitre, for which I have prescribed occasionally for a year or two.
CASE 30.-John L, father of preceding patient. Aug. 5th., 1858. On 2d inst. was exposed to damp weather; thinks he took cold. While coming to my office today was attacked with chilliness and flashes of heat, it was with very great difficulty that he got to the office. When I saw him his puke was 136. He had some perspiration. Prescribed Bell12. then Ars6., solution.
12th. No decided chilliness since, but is quite sick every night. Mind too active at night; says he thinks of everything. Humming noise in head. Head sore to touch; cannot move it without moving body. When he rubs hands on pantaloons says he sees sparks of fire. General sensation of numbness, with thirst and nausea. Every night clammy cold sweat, especially about head. Pulse 84 at 6? P. M. Has more fever every 2d day. Prescribed Nux6, solution, every three hours.
Sept. 5th. Has been quite weak since. Has soreness, commencing in hips and extending to lower extremities. Appetite good. Perspires after slight exertion. Prescribed Chin30., solution, every four hours.
June 2nd, 1859. Remained well until within a few days past. Slight chill day before yesterday; today severe chill, followed by heat, which continued all forenoon. Vomiting during hot stage. Ars6., solution every three hours.
CASE 31.-J. L., Jr., of same family as two preceding. Aug. 5th, 1858, was unwell last week. On the 1st inst., had a chill, followed by high fever, continuing all night, with delirium. Had Diarrhea. They gave the Acon. and Bell, sent to his sister, with good effect, also the Ars. during the apyrexia. Has not had a decided chill since, but has appeared dull. Continued Ars6.
12th. At times seems depressed but has no regular paroxysms. Continued Ars.
19th. For three days decided paroxysms in afternoon, consisting of heat of chest and head, then cold sweat on same parts. Today shaking chill, with blueness of arms, hands and lips. Prescribed Nux6”, solution, and Acon. and Bell, during paroxysms.
Sept. 5th. After third day of taking Nux, paroxysms occurred every second day, then daily for three days. They have alternated between daily and tertian in this way ever since. Has no chill, but has purple spots on limbs, followed by fever, not high. Sweat during sleep. Sleeps well. Ars 30. solution, every three hours.
Sept. 18th. Now has chilliness every day after dinner, followed by high fever; some days has perspiration on head.
Bowels loose; has colic. Sleeps pretty well. Has lost much flesh. Verat12, solution, every three hours.
I did not prescribe for him again until Nov. 22d. The only symptom I then record is “ vomiting,” for which I gave Verat12.
Saw his mother, Mar. 26th, 1859. She stated that after my last prescription he improved rapidly in health, and was then more hearty than ever before in his life. He had always been a weakly child.
CASE 32.-Richard Day, set. 2?, July 24th, 1858. Probably contracted Intermittent Fever at Maspeth L. I. Paroxysms appeared two weeks after he came to reside in N. Y. City. “Was treated with Sulph. Quinine for a month before chills stopped, then ceased for a week; returned four days ago. Chills daily at 9? A. M., continue an hour; heat following for a somewhat longer period; then usually goes to sleep and perspires. Thirst with hot stage. Is weak and fretful during paroxysm. Appetite good. Prescribed Ars6., three times a day.
Oct. 27th. The mother of this patient called for a prescription for another child; said the former patient recovered immediately and had remained in good health since.
CASE 33.-Mrs. H. Smith, residing in 53d St., New York, called upon me Aug. 6th, 1858. Two years before had chills and fever, has not enjoyed good health since. Had chills on 27th, 29th and 31st ult. Has headache and nausea in morning. 4 Sulph20., one at night.
As I have no further record of her case I presume she was relieved, at least for the time being. I had occasion to see her afterwards, to prescribe for her daughter, the case immediately following.
CASE 34.-Catherine Smith, aet. 3, Aug. 10th, 1858. Had chills two years since, continued from June till August. Present attack commenced six weeks ago, continued two weeks, then two weeks intermission, then a week of chills, then about a week interval. Yesterday and today return of chills. Has had daily paroxysms since beginning. Chills continued three quarters of an hour, then high fever for two hours, then profuse perspiration. During and after chill complains of being “tired and hungry,” but will not eat if food is offered her. Complexion sallow; has grown thin since having chills. Prescribed Ars6., solution, every three hours.
14th. Seemed pretty well on 11th and 12th. Last evening had fever, commenced about 8 P. M., afterwards perspiration. Now, 6? P. M., pulse 136. Complained today of feeling tired in stomach. Bowels loose today. Prescribed Verat12., solution, every three hours.
Have not heard from this patient since.
CASE 35.-Adelaide M., Oct. 1st, 1858. Patient has recently returned from a visit to the country. On the 25th ult. complained of pains in bones of extremities, and in nape of neck, and felt tired. Every day since has had a chill, one day at 12? and the alternate day at 2 P. M., followed by heat then perspiration. Has constant headache. Verat12.
3d. Chill yesterday at 12?, today at 12 (noon) o'clock. On sitting up after paroxysm everything appeared yellow to her. Headache and nausea during apyrexia. Chin 30,
5th. Chill yesterday and today. Bell12.
7th. Chill at 11 A. M., accompanied by severe pains in back and in abdomen. Feels as though there were ” tramping“ in head. Nux6”.
9th. Pains accompanying chill are less severe. Continued Nux6.
11th. No decided chill for past two days, only chilliness with headache. Continued Nux6.
14th. Has slight chilliness daily. Continued Nux6.
17th. Better. No chilliness for past three days. Nausea with sour eructations after eating. Night sweats. Cham30.
20th. Slight chill yesterday at a quarter before 12, followed by high fever, then perspiration: nausea with chill, cough during heat. Tired feeling in legs. Rhus rad12., solution, every three hours.
23d. Chill on 21st; none yesterday. Today only felt thirsty as she usually has done before paroxysm. Nausea at sight of food she does not like. Appetite voracious. Fat food causes nausea. Puls6.
27th. No chill since. Continued Puls6.
This patient has remained quite well to present time.
REMARKS :-These cases comprise the whole of my experience in Intermittent Fever, excepting one case, the treatment of which, has been commenced too recently to make it of sufficient interest to be included. They are not quite all the cases I have witnessed; as I have at times made calls upon patients under the charge of other physicians, prescribing for the case for a day or two, when the proper physician happened to be out of town. These cases I have not alluded to in any way, as I had not the means of giving a satisfactory account of them. The cases are reported at length, because I think this method the one best adapted to give correct and reliable information; but I now propose to briefly review them, giving only certain general particulars, such as the period when the patient was first attacked, the time occupied in the cure, recurrence of the disease, if any, after my treatment, and remedies employed in each case. I shall divide the cases, first enumerating those treated from the commencement then those which had been previously under allopathic treatment. These latter comprise about two-thirds of the whole.
The following had no previous treatment:-
CASE 1.-Paroxysms commenced August 27th, 1853. I prescribed Sept, 5th.; paroxysms continued until Sept. 11th inclusive, seven days after my prescription. Remedies used .-Bry30., Ars30., Chin30. & 200., Acon30.
Returned eight months after and continued twenty-five days, viz: from May 21st until about June 15th, 1854. Remedies used-Ars30., Bry 30., Nux-in-sale, Nux-vom30., Puls20.
No return till present time, six years from last attack.
CASE 2.-Commenced Sept., 1853; continued about thirty days. Remedies not recorded.
No return till present time, nearly six years.
CASE 3.-Commenced April 28th, 1854. I prescribed May 6th. No paroxysms subsequently. Remedies-Ars6.,30. & 200
No return for several years after, and as far as known till present time.
CASE 5.-Commenced Aug. 5th, 1854. I prescribed Aug. 9th; had a few paroxysms subsequently. Remedies-Ars30. and “6 No return to present time, nearly five years.
CASE 6.-Commenced Aug. 7th, 1854. I prescribed on the 9th only; gave Ars6. Was subsequently placed under allopathic treatment. Result not known.
CASE 8.-Commenced Sept. 22d, 1854. I prescribed Oct. 6th to 14th inclusive. Remedies-Nux6. and Chin30.
Was better at last date, not heard from since.
CASE 17.-Commenced April 21st, 1856. I prescribed on 23d; continued to 27th inclusive, and recurred slightly on May 20th on June 20th and 22d. Remedies-Ars12. and 30”, Bry30.
No return. Patient died of affections to which she had been long subject, Oct., 1857.
CASE 18.-Commenced June 12th, 1856. I prescribed June 26th. Continued till July 2d. seven days after my first prescription. Remedies-Ars30 ., Ign30., Cedron1, Chin30.
CASE 29.-Commenced July 18th, 1858. I prescribed on the 20th; continued till 26th inclusive; had another paroxysm on the 29th. May 1859, had three or four paroxysms. Remedies-Acon12., Bell12., Ars6., Cedron1.
CASE 30.-Commenced Aug. 5th 1858. I prescribed same day; continued till about 15th. Was under treatment till Sept. 5th. Remained well till June, 1859. Paroxysms on 1st and 2nd June. Remedies-Bell12., Ars6., Nux6, Chin30.
Consider him as under treatment.
CASE 31.-Commenced Aug. 1st, 1858. I prescribed Aug. 5th. Slight and partial paroxysms till 19th, then decided paroxysms till Sept. 18th, about this date they ceased. Remedies-Acon30., Bell30., Ars6, Nux6“, Verat12.
CASE 35.-Commenced Sept. 25th, 1858. I prescribed Oct. 1st; continued till Oct. 9th, inclusive. Occasional slight paroxysms continued to 21st inclusive. Remedies-Verat12., Chin30., Bell6., Nux6, Cham30., Rhus-rad12., Puls 6.
The following cases had been treated Allopathically previous to coming under my care.
CASE 4.-Commenced July 1853; first and a number of subsequent attacks were suppressed by Quinine. I prescribed June 10th, 1854; continued till about July 14th. thirty-four days. Remedies-Ars30., Acon30., Nux30, Nat-mur30., Chin30., Phos 30.
No return; I have heard to that effect within a few months past.
CASE 7.-Commenced about Sept. 1854; suppressed repeatedly by Quinine. I prescribed Sept. 30th 1854. Sulph30.
CASE 9.-Commenced Sept. 1854; suppressed several times by Quinine. I prescribed May 1st 1855; paroxysms had then continued two weeks; ceased on May 30th; thirty days under treatment. Remedies-Ars6 and 30, Verat30., Nux6., Puls6. No return; have heard within a short time.
CASE 10.-Commenced June 1855. I prescribed on the 24th-under my treatment till July 7. Remedies-Ars30 and 6 Bell30., Nat-mur30., Puls30., Acon30.
Patient was said to be well some time after, but I am uncertain whether they returned to Allopathic treatment.
CASE 11.-Commenced June 8th 1855; suppressed by Quinine; chills on 29th and 30th. I prescribed on July 2d. No return to 7th. Remedies-Ars6., Nux6, Sep30.
Have not heard from patient since.
CASE 12.-Commenced about a year previous to my prescribing. Repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. I prescribed July 20th, 1855, the first day of the recurrence; continued till 24th, inclusive. Remedies-Chin30, and Rhus-rad30.
No return to present time, June 16th, 1859, nearly four years.
CASE 13.-Commenced a year before my prescribing. I prescribed Ars6, Sept 6th, 1855. Result not known.
CASE 14.-Commenced August 15th, 1855; continued two weeks; suppressed for two weeks by Quinine. Returned Sept. 14th. I prescribed Sept. 21st; continued till about 28th. Ars6. only was given. No return when last heard from, February, 1859.
CASE 15.-Commenced several weeks before I prescribed Oct. 28th, 1855; continued two days after, and slight return on Nov. 4th. Remedies-Nat-mur 30., Nux30. Bry30.
No return up to latter part of December of same year. Have not heard since.
CASE 16.-Commenced about Sept. 28th, 1855. Paroxysms continued notwithstanding Quinine was administered. I prescribed Nov. 27th and 29th, 1855. Ars 6. was given. Was better at last date, have not heard since.
CASE 19.-Commenced probably in the Spring of 1856. Suppressed for short period. I prescribed in the Fall. Ars30.
Have heard from the patient within a few months of present time, June 1859. He had no return after my prescription.
CASE 20.-Commenced Dec. 1855. Quinine suppressed paroxysms for two weeks at a time. I prescribed Sept. 11th 1856; continued till 14th, inclusive, and had another paroxysm on 23d. Remedies-Ars6., Lach6.
No return after last date to present time, June 1859.
CASE 21.-Commenced about Nov. 1856. After continuing two or three months was suppressed till April 1857 by Quinine. I prescribed April 27th; continued till May 2d. Remedies-Ars200., Bry7., Lach30., Bell30., Nux30., Cup30.
Was well May 16th, same year; have not heard since.
CASE 22.-Commenced about April 12th 1857; Paroxysms were not suppressed by the allopathic treatment she had. I prescribed May 12th; continued till May 30th, inclusive. Remedies-Ars6., Nux6, Merc-v3., Coff3., Carb-veg30., Puls6.
No return to June 19th, same year; have not heard since.
CASE 23.-Commenced a number of months before I first saw her, Aug. 24th 1857; paroxysms had been repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. Present attack commenced on 19th; after I saw her, slight paroxysms on 25th and 27th. Natmur 30, only remedy given. No return up to present time.
CASE 24.-Commenced Aug. 12th 1857; took Deshler's pills. I prescribed Sept. 2d; under treatment till 21st. Remedies-Ars30., Fer met 2., Bell16.
Remained well March 27th 1859.
CASE 25.-Commenced in Spring of 1856; suppressed several times by Quinine. I prescribed Feb. 14th 1858; present attack had continued three days then, and continued two days after; had slight paroxysms for about a week, commencing May 26th, same year. Remedies-Bry12., Puls6.
CASE 26.-Commenced June 1st 1858. I prescribed June 14th; continued till July 6th; ceased from 6th to 12th July, then recommenced and continued to 27th; had no chills nor heat after this date, but gradually convalesced; was under treatment till Sept. 7th. Remedies-Bry7., Puls6., Chin3., Ars6, Nux6, Rhus-rad12., Lyc6., Nat-mur6., Bell 12., Lach3°, Phos12., Coff30.
CASE 27.-Commenced in the Fall of 1857; then suppressed for seven or eight months; returned and again suppressed for ten or twelve days, then returned. Under my treatment from June 20th to August 10th; paroxysms only a portion of the time. Had anasarca and ascites also. Remedies- Ars6., Nux 6, Bell12., Merc12.
No return to present time; is well in all respects.
CASE 28.-Commenced about April 25th, 1858; continued four weeks, then suppressed for three weeks by Deshler's pills; then return. I prescribed June 24th; continued till about July 1st. Remedies-Ars6., Nux3.
CASE 32.-Commenced about June 17th 1858; took Quinine for a month before chills stopped, then they ceased for a week and returned for days before I saw him. I prescribed, July 24th, Ars6. Mother stated to me October 28th, same year, that patient recovered immediately, and had remained in good health since.
CASE 33.-Commenced about August, 1856. I prescribed on August 6th 1858; had had paroxysms on three preceding days. Prescribed Sulph30.
Made no record subsequently but saw her on 14th August. I presume she was relieved.
CASE 34.-Commenced about August 1856; continued then from June till August. I prescribed August 10th 185S. Present attack commenced six weeks before; had continued with two weeks intermission at one time and a week at another; afterwards escaped paroxysms till 12th and 14th. Remedies-Ars6 ., Verat12.
Have not heard from patient since.
What has struck me most forcibly in the homoeopathic treatment of this disease, is the permanence of the cure. Relapses have been greatly the exception. In case 1 I enumerated two attacks occurring eight months apart, as one case. I think the second might very properly have been considered a new case; the patient resided in the same locality as when first attacked and was necessarily subjected to the influence of the same miasm. The same remark applies to cases 29 and 30. In each of these cases the patients enjoyed their usual health between the attacks. The other instances known to me in which relapses occurred are very few, and were only within a short time after the cessation of the disease. It is interesting to observe how completely we are able to cure the old inveterate cases which have been repeatedly suppressed by Quinine. If any experience can prove that our cures are the result of medication aiding nature and not of nature unaided, as some say they are, these cases should. For in many the disease had existed for months; paroxysms occurring every three or four weeks, notwithstanding the liberal administration of Quinine, when after giving the attenuated remedies, “this periodical recurrence ceases and the patient is left free. There would be a strong probability of this being the effect of the attenuated remedy in a single instance of this kind, but when the same result is seen in several or many cases, the proof falls little short of certainty.
Some of the cases reported, being only prescribed for once or twice, and not subsequently heard from, are not of much interest as regards the efficacy of homoeopathic treatment, but are still of some interest as showing that Quinine, which they had usually taken, does not invariably prevent the recurrence of the disease, as some of its earnest advocates would have us believe. The class of cases just alluded to, might have been reported as cured, because unheard from. It is certainly reasonable to suppose from the general results obtained from cases of which we know the full history that such was the fact in a large proportion of instances.
It is very likely that the paroxysms are not in all cases stopped as soon by attenuated medicines as they might be by Quinine, but the, probability of a recurrence is very much less. No injurious effects follow the use of attenuated medicines, but we have very good reason to believe, from our own experience, as well as that of other physicians that Quinine impairs the constitution, and in many instances, produces permanent chronic disease.
| Source: | The AMERICAN HOMOEOPATHIC REVIEW Vol. 01 No. 08-09, 1859, pages 337-348, pages 395-406 |
|---|---|
| Description: | Intermittent fever. |
| Author: | Joslin, B.F. Jr. |
| Year: | 1859 |
| Editing: | errors only; interlinks; formatting |
| Attribution: | Legatum Homeopathicum |