Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica

595 Pages·2.848 MB·English

by  Boericke William.

HOMOEOPATHIC
MATERIA MEDICA
BY
W. Boericke, MD

9TH EDITION
PREFACE TO THE NINTH EDITION
In preparing the ninth edition of this work, I have followed the lines
laid out for all the previous editions, namely, to present in a condensed
form the homœopathic Materia Medica for practical use.
The book contains the well known verified characteristic symptoms of
all our medicines besides other less important symptoms aiding the
selection of the curative remedy, All the new medicines and essentials
of the published clinical experience of the school have been added. In its present
compact form it contains the maximum number of reliable Materia Medica facts in the
minimum space.
I have tried to give a succinct resume of the symptomatology of every medicine used in
Homœopathy, including also clinical suggestions of many drugs so far not yet based on
provings, thus offering the opportunity to experiment with these and by future
provings discover their distinctive use and so enlarging our armamentarium.
I am aware that there is a difference of opinion about the advisability of further
introduction of remedies, especially of such as seem obsolete or to some minds illusory.
But it is not for the compiler to leave out information about any substance that has
received the clinical endorsement from a reliable source.
Our Materia Medica must include all substances which have been proved and which
have been used with apparent efficacy. It rests with the individual student to judge for
himself the accuracy and, reliability of such observation. In this connection, I cannot
forego to avail myself of the high authority of that master of Homœopathy, Dr.
Constantine Hering, favoring the introduction of all remedies capable of producing
reactions in the body that may guide to their medicinal employment. "Homœopathy is
essentially not only many-sided but all-sided. She investigates the action of all
substances, whether articles of diet, beverages, condiments, drugs or poisons. She
investigates their action on the healthy, the sick, animals and plants. She gives; a new
interpretation to that ancient, oft quoted saying of Paul, Prove all things––a new
meaning, a new application that acts universally. Elimination of the useless may
gradually take place with the growth of accurate physiological and pathological
knowledge."
Again, imperfectly proved remedies necessitate the use of names of diseases at times
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instead of the component symptoms that alone are the legitimate guide to the choice of di
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the curative remedy. Here, too, I have Hering as pioneer guide for the legitimacy of this bis I
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method, which he also followed in his great work, the Guiding Symptoms. He
said that he used the disease designations not for the purpose of recommending the
particular remedy for that disease, but to show the great variety of remedies that may
be used for any form of disease when otherwise indicated. For the same reason I have
included nosological terms in the symptomatology and Therapeutic Index, as this is a
practical handbook for every-day service, and any aid for finding the curative remedy
ought to be utilized. As Dr. J. Compton Burnett expresses it "The fact is we need any
and every way of finding the right remedy; the simple simile, the simple symptomatic
similimum and the farthest reach of all-the pathologic similimum, and I maintain that
we are still well within the line- of Homœopathy that is expansive, progressive, science
fostered and science fostering."

The dosage needs some apology. It is, of course, suggestive only; more often to be
wholly disregarded. I have followed the lines of the earlier Homœopathists in this
regard, and given what was then considered the usual range of potency, to which I have
added my own experience and that of many observing practitioners. Every teacher of
Materia Medica is constantly importuned by students to suggest the potency -
something to start with at least.
The book is in no sense a treatise, and must not be considered or judged as such. It is as
accurate and reliable a compilation and the fullest collection of verified Materia Medica
facts and clinical suggestions as it is possible to obtain within the compass of the
volume. It supplements every other work on Materia Medica, and if used as a ready
reminder of the essential facts of our vast symptomatology and as an introduction to the
larger books of reference and record of provings, it will fulfill its purpose and prove a
useful aid to the student and general practitioner.
As such it is again offered with much appreciation of past endorsement to his
professional brethren.I have been aided in seeing this edition through the press by the
efficient help of Mr. F. O. Ernesty, who has lightened the labor of making the
manuscript more acceptable to the printers, and I desire to express my hearty
appreciation of this kind and helpful service.

WILLIAM BOERICKE, M.D.
a
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ABIES CANADENSI
Pinus canadensis
Hemlock Spruce
Mucous membranes are affected by Abies can and gastric symptoms are most
marked, and a catarrhal condition of the stomach is produced. There are peculiar
cravings and chilly sensations that are very characteristic, especially for women
with uterine displacement, probably due to defective nutrition with debility.
Respiration and heart action labored. Wants to lie down all the time; skin cold
and clammy, hands cold; very faint. Right lung and liver feel small and hard.
Gleet.
Head.––Feels light-headed, tipsy. Irritable.
Stomach.––Canine hunger with torpid liver. Gnawing, hungry, faint feeling at
the epigastrium. Great appetite, craving for meat, pickles, radishes, turnips,
artichokes, coarse food. Tendency to eat far beyond capacity for digestion.
Burning and distention of stomach and abdomen with palpitation. Flatulence
disturbs the heart's action. Pain in right shoulder-blade, and constipation, with
burning in rectum.
Female.––Uterine displacements. Sore feeling at fundus of uterus, relieved by
pressure. Prostration; wants to lie down all the time. Thinks womb is soft and
feeble.
Fever.––Cold shivering, as if blood were ice-water (Acon). Chills run down back.
Cold water feeling between shoulders (Ammon mur). Skin clammy and sticky.
Night-sweat (China).
Dose.––First to third potency.
ABIES NIGRA
Black Spruce
A powerful and long-acting remedy, in various forms of disease, whenever the
characteristic stomach symptoms are present. Most of the symptoms are
associated with the gastric disturbances. In dyspeptic troubles of the aged, with
functional heart symptoms; also after tea or tobacco. Constipation. Pain in
external meatus.
Head.––Hot, with flushed cheeks. Low-spirited. Dull during the day, wakeful at
night. Unable to think.
Stomach.––Pain in stomach always comes on after eating. Sensation of a lump
that hurts, as if a hard-boiled egg had lodged in cardiac end of stomach;
continual distressing constriction just above the pit of the stomach, as if a
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everything were knotted up. Total loss of appetite in morning, but great craving
for food at noon and night. Offensive breath. Eructations.
Chest.––Painful sensation, as if something were lodged in the chest and had to
be coughed up; lungs feel compressed. Cannot be fully expanded. Worse
coughing; waterbrash succeeds cough. Choking sensation in throat. Dyspnœa;
worse lying down; sharp, cutting pain in heart; heart's action heavy and slow;
tachycardia, bradycardia.
Back.––Pain in small of back. Rheumatic pains and aching in bones.
Sleep.––Wakeful and restless at night, with hunger. Bad dreams.
Fever.––Alternate heat and cold; chronic intermittent fever, with pain in
stomach.
Modalities.––Worse after eating.
Relationship.––Compare: (Lump in stomach––China, Bryon, Pulsat); also other
Conifers––Thuja, Sabina, Cupressus (painful indigestion) also Nux vom, Kali
carb.
Dose.––First to thirtieth potency.
ABRUS PRECATORIU
Jequirity
Crab's Eye Vine
Epithelioma, lupus, ulcers, granular lids.
Eyes.––Purulent conjunctivitis; inflammation spreads to face and neck. Granular
ophthalmia. Keratitis.
Relationship.––Compare: Jequiritol (in cases of trachoma and pannus to engraft
a new purulent inflammation. The proteid poisons contained in Jequirity seeds
are almost identical in their physiological and toxic properties with the similar
principles found in snake venom).
Dose.––Mother tincture diluted locally and 3x internally.
ABROTANUM
Southernwood
A very useful remedy in marasmus, especially of lower extremities only, yet with
good appetite. Metastasis. Rheumatism following checked diarrhœa. Ill effects of
suppressed conditions especially in gouty subjects. Tuberculous peritonitis.
Exudative pleurisy and other exudative processes. After operation upon the
chest for hydrothorax or empyæmia, a pressing sensation remains. Aggravation a
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of hæmorrhoids when rheumatism improves. Nosebleed and hydrocele in boys.
Great weakness after influenza (Kali phos).
Mind.––Cross, irritable, anxious, depressed.
Face.––Wrinkled, cold, dry, pale. Blue rings around dull-looking eyes.
Comedones, with emaciation. Nosebleed. Angioma of the face.
Stomach.––Slimy taste. Appetite good, but emaciation progresses. Food passes
undigested. Pain in stomach; worse at night; cutting, gnawing pain. Stomach
feels as if swimming in water; feels cold. Gnawing hunger and whining.
Indigestion, with vomiting of large quantities of offensive fluid.
Abdomen.––Hard lumps in abdomen. Distended. Alternate diarrhœa and
constipation. Hæmorrhoids; frequent urging; bloody stools; worse as rheumatic
pains abate. Ascarides. Oozing from umbilicus. Sensation as if bowels were
sinking down.
Respiratory.––Raw feeling. Impeded respiration. Dry cough following diarrhœa.
Pain across chest; severe in region of heart.
Back.––Neck so weak cannot hold head up. Back lame, weak, and painful. Pain
in lumbar region extending along spermatic cord. Pain in sacrum, with
hæmorrhoids.
Extremities.––Pain in shoulders, arms, wrists, and ankles. Pricking and coldness
in fingers and feet. Legs greatly emaciated. Joints stiff and lame. Painful
contraction of limbs (Amm mur).
Skin.––Eruptions come out on face; are suppressed, and the skin becomes
purplish. Skin flabby and loose. Furuncles. Falling out of hair. Itching chilblains.
Modalities.––Worse, cold air, checked secretions. Better, motion.
Relationship.––Compare: Scrophularia; Bryonia; Stellaria; Benzoic acid, in gout.
Iodine, Natr mur in marasmus.
Dose.––Third to thirtieth potency.
ABSINTHIUM
Common Wormwood
A perfect picture of epileptiform seizure is produced by this drug. Nervous
tremors precede attacks. Sudden and severe giddiness, delirium with
hallucinations and loss of consciousness. Nervous excitement and sleeplessness.
Cerebral irritation, hysterical and infantile spasms come within range of this
remedy. Poisoning by mushrooms. Chorea. Tremor. Nervousness, excitement,
and sleeplessness in children.
Mind.––Hallucinations. Frightful visions. Kleptomania. Loss of memory. Forgets
what has recently happened. Wants nothing to do with anybody. Brutal. a
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Head.––Vertigo, with tendency to fall backward. General confusion. Wants head
low. Pupils dilated unequally. Face blue. Spasmodic facial twitching. Dull
occipital headache (Gelsem, Picric ac).
Mouth.––Jaws fixed. Bites tongue; trembles; feels as if swollen and too large;
protruding.
Throat.––Scalded sensation; as of a lump.
Stomach.––Nausea; retching; eructation. Bloated around waist and abdomen.
Wind colic.
Urinary.––Constant desire. Very strong odor; deep yellow color (Kali phos).
Sexual.––Darting pain in right ovary. Spermatorrhœa, with relaxed, enfeebled
parts. Premature menopause.
Chest.––Sensation of weight on chest. Irregular, tumultuous action of heart can
be heard in back.
Extremities.––Pain in limbs. Paralytic symptoms.
Relationship.––Compare: Alcohol; Artemisia; Hydrocy acid; Cina; Cicuta.
Dose.––First to sixth potency.
ACALYPHA INDICA
Indian Nettle
A drug having a marked action on the alimentary canal and respiratory organs.
It is indicated in incipient phthisis, with hard, racking cough, bloody
expectoration, arterial hæmorrhage, but no febrile disturbance. Very weak in the
morning, gains strength during day. Progressive emaciation. All pathological
hæmorrhages having notably a morning aggravation.
Chest.––Cough dry, hard, followed by hæmoptysis; worse in morning and at
night. Constant and severe pain in chest. Blood bright red and not profuse in
morning; dark and clotted in afternoon. Pulse soft and compressible. Burning in
pharynx, œsophagus, and stomach.
Abdomen.––Burning in intestines. Spluttering diarrhœa with forcible expulsion
of noisy flatus, bearing down pains and tenesmus. Rumbling distention, and
griping pain in abdomen. Rectal hæmorrhage; worse in morning.
Skin.––Jaundice. Itching and circumscribed furuncle-like swellings.
Modalities.––Worse in morning.
Relationship.––Compare: Millefol; Phosphor; Acetic acid; Kali nit.
Dose.––Third to sixth potency.
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ACETICUM ACIDUM
Glacial Acetic Acid
This drug produces a condition of profound anæmia, with some dropsical
symptoms, great debility, frequent fainting, dyspnœa, weak heart, vomiting,
profuse urination and sweat. Hæmorrhage from any part. Especially indicated in
pale, lean persons, with lax, flabby muscles. Wasting and debility. Acetic acid has
the power to liquefy albuminous and fibrinous deposits. Epithelial cancer,
internally and locally (W Owens). Sycosis with nodules and formations in the
joints. Hard chancre. The 1x solution will soften and cause formation of pus.
Mind.––Irritable, worried about business affairs.
Head.––Nervous headache, from abuse of narcotics. Blood rushes to head with
delirium. Temporal vessels distended. Pain across root of tongue.
Face.––Pale, waxen, emaciated. Eyes sunken, surrounded by dark rings. Bright
red. Sweaty. Epithelioma of lip. Cheeks hot and flushed. Aching in left jaw-point.
Stomach.––Salivation. Fermentation in stomach. Intense burning thirst. Cold
drinks distress. Vomits after every kind of food. Epigastric tenderness. Burning
pain as of an ulcer. Cancer of stomach. Sour belching and vomiting. Burning
waterbrash and profuse salivation. Hyperchlorhydria and gastralgia. Violent
burning pain in stomach and chest, followed by coldness of skin and cold sweat
on forehead. Stomach feels as if she had taken a lot of vinegar.
Abdomen.––Feels as if abdomen was sinking in. Frequent watery stools, worse
in morning. Tympanitic. Ascites. Hæmorrhage from bowels.
Urinary.––Large quantities of pale urine. Diabetes, with great thirst and debility
(Phos ac).
Female.––Excessive catamenia. Hæmorrhages after labor. Nausea of pregnancy.
Breasts painfully enlarged, distended with milk. Milk impoverished, bluish,
transparent, sour. Anæmia of nursing mothers.
Respiratory.––Hoarse, hissing respiration; difficult breathing; cough when
inhaling. Membranous croup. Irritation of trachea and bronchial tubes. False
membrane in throat. Profuse bronchorrhœa. Putrid sore throat (gargle).
Back.––Pain in back, relieved only by lying on abdomen.
Extremities.––Emaciation. Œdema of feet and legs.
Skin.––Pale, waxen, œdematous. Burning, dry, hot skin, or bathed in profuse
sweat. Diminished sensibility of the surface of body. Useful after stings, bites, etc.
Varicose swellings. Scurvy; anasarca. Bruises; sprains.
Fever.––Hectic, with drenching night-sweats. Red spot on left cheek. No thirst in
fever. Ebullitions. Sweat profuse, cold.
Relationship.––Acetic acid is antidotal to all anæsthetic vapors. Counteracts
sausage poisoning. a
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Compare: Ammon acet (Profuse saccharine urine, patient is bathed in sweat).
Benzoin oderiferum––Spice-wood (night sweats). Ars; China; Digitalis; Liatris
(General anasarca in heart and kidney disease, dropsy, and chronic diarrhœa).
Dose.––Third to thirtieth potency. Not to be repeated too often, except in croup.
ACETANILIDUM
Antifebrinum
Depresses heart, respiration and blood pressure, lowers temperature. Cyanosis
and collapse. Increased susceptibility to cold. Destroys red blood corpuscles;
pallor.
Head.––Enlarged sensation. Fainting. Moral depravity.
Eyes.––Pallor of optic discs, contracted visual field and shrinking retinal vessel;
mydriasis.
Heart.––Weak, irregular, with blue mucous membranes, albuminuria, œdema of
feet and ankles.
Relationship.––Compare: Antipyrin.
Dose.––Used as a sedative and antipyretic for various forms of headache and
neuralgia in doses of one to three grains. For the homeopathic indications use the
third potency.
ACONITUM NAPELLU
Monkshood
A state of fear, anxiety; anguish of mind and body. Physical and mental
restlessness, fright, is the most characteristic manifestation of Aconite. Acute,
sudden, and violent invasion, with fever, call for it. Does not want to be touched.
Sudden and great sinking of strength. Complaints and tension caused by
exposure to dry, cold weather, draught of cold air, checked perspiration, also
complaints from very hot weather, especially gastro-intestinal disturbances, etc.
First remedy in inflammations, inflammatory fevers. Serous membranes and
muscular tissues affected markedly. Burning in internal parts; tingling, coldness
and numbness. Influenza. Tension of arteries; emotional and physical mental
tension explain many symptoms. When prescribing Aconite remember Aconite
causes only functional disturbance, no evidence that it can produce tissue
change––its action is brief and shows no periodicity. Its sphere is in the
beginning of an acute disease and not to be continued after pathological change
comes. In Hyperæmia, congestion not after exudation has set in. Influenza
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