ESSENTIALS OF
Homśopathic Materia Medica
and Homśopathic Pharmacy
Willis Alonzo DEWEY, M. D.
Presented by
CHAPTER VI.
MINERAL KINGDOM.
6 – 3 –
HALOGENS.
What are the drugs known as the Halogens ?
Bromine, Iodine, Fluorine and Chlorine.
What is the general action of this family as a
whole ?They act on the mucous membranes of the larynx and bronchial tubes,
producing pseudo-membranous formations thereon ; they all act on
the glandular system, enlarging the glands even to abscess.
BROMINE.
Where are data concerning Bromine found ?
Hering’s Materia Medica ; Allen’s
Encyclopćdia.
How is the tincture prepared ?
One part of pure Bromine dissolved
in 99 parts, by weight, of distilled water. Drug power, 1/100.
What is the temperament of the Bromine patient and
how does it differ from the temperament of the Iodine patient ?The Bromine patient is light
complexioned, fair skin and blue eyes, while Iodine
suits better dark complexioned people, with dark hair and eyes.
What are the characteristics of Bromine on the mucous
membranes ?Coryza, with profuse, watery discharge and soreness of the nose ;
ulcers, crusts and bloody scabs form in the nose.
What are indications for Bromine in croup ?
Deep, hoarse voice ; inspiration produces coughing ; the
breathing is hoarse, rasping and whistling, there is rattling in the
larynx, and when the child coughs it sounds as if the larynx were full
of mucus. Diphtheria.
What chest symptoms are characteristic ?
There is a sensation as if the patient could not get air enough into the
chest ; there seems to be plenty of mucus, but no ability to
expectorate it. The want of air in the chest is due to constriction of
the glottis or spasm of the glottis.
What is the cough of Bromine ?
It sounds as if the larynx were full of mucus. Cough dry, spasmodic,
rough and barking, from tickling in throat, worse during first part of
the night, better after midnight.
What is another difference between Bromine and
Iodine ?Bromine symptoms are usually
unaccompanied by fever, while Iodine
is a very feverish remedy.
IODIUM.
Give references for Iodine.
Hartlaub and Trinks ; Hahnemann’s Chronic
Diseases ; British Journal of Homśopathy, Vol. XXI ;
Hughe’s Pharmacodynamics.
How is the tincture prepared ?
One part of resublimed Iodine
dissolved in 99 parts of alcohol. Drug power, 1/100.
Give the general symptoms of Iodine.
Its acts chiefly upon the glandular and lymphatic systems, stimulating
them at first to an increased action, which is soon followed by marked
depression, emaciation and atrophy.
Give principal characteristics of Iodine.
1. Ravenous appetite, with great emaciation.
2. Its action on the glands, causing enlargements.
3. Its fever, distinguished from that of Aconite
only by the mental symptoms.
Give indications for Iodine in marasmus.
Extreme hunger, but in spite of this the patient emaciates ; the
function of the glands is interfered with ; there is great
torpidity and sluggishness of the system.
What are the symptoms of Iodine in scrofulosis ?
Where there is great induration of the glands, they are very sluggish
and torpid ; the patient is subject to wasting diseases ;
there is wasting of the mammć, ovaries, testicles, etc.
What are some other indications for Iodine in
glandular troubles ?In goitre, an enlargement of the typhoid gland, it is a useful
remedy ; also in orchitis, with pains extending to the abdomen.
When is Iodine indicated in croup ?
It is very similar to Bromine ;
there is a hoarse voice and difficult inspiration ; the child
grasps at its throat ; croup caused by long-continued damp weather,
with more fever than in Bromine, and
the general temperament of the drug.
Give indications for Iodine in pneumonia.
First and second stages, especially in the croupous form, where the
hepatization tends to extend rapidly ; difficulty in
breathing ; as if the chest would not expand ; cough and
blood-streaked sputa, accompanied by high fever.
CHLORINE.
What is the unique use of Chlorine ?
For spasm of the glottis. Inhaled in the form of Chlorine
water, and given internally at the same time, it has speedily
relieved this affection.
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