Latrodectus Mactans.
Latrodectus mactans. N. O. Arachnida. Tincture of living spider.
Clinical.─
Angina pectoris. Hćmorrhages, watery.
Characteristics.─
To the ready pen and luminous
insight of S. A. Jones, and to the labours of A. J. Tafel, who furnished data and materials,
we owe the introduction of this remedy into the materia medica. In a most interesting
article communicated to the Homśopathic Recorder of
July, 1889, and reproduced by Anschutz: in New, Old, and Forgotten
Remedies, Jones relates the facts concerning this spider and the effects of its
bite, recorded by E. W. Semple, M. D., in the Virginia Med. Monthly
of 1875.─Case 1. A man bitten on the prepuce. At first there was
itching; in less than half an hour nausea followed by severe abdominal pains. Soon after,
violent precordial pains, extending to axilla and down left arm and forearm to fingers with
numbness of the extremities and apnśa. Dry cupping was resorted to and the blood that
flowed was thin and florid and uncoagulable. This was
before Semple arrived. He then found most violent precordial pains, the left arm almost
paralysed; pulse 130, very feeble. Skin cold as marble, countenance expressive of deep
anxiety. At eight next morning, in spite of stimulants and pediluvia, the symptoms were
worse and continued to increase until 2-30 p.m. Pulse uncountable and scarcely to be felt.
Vomited black vomit, a quart or more. Soon after, reaction set in and the man gradually
recovered. He had two copious stools like the black matter vomited, and after that felt
quite well. In thirty-six hours from the time he was bitten he took 3 1/2 quart bottles of
the best rectified whisky without, showing the least symptom of intoxication. Jones
considers the order of the occurrence of these symptoms of great importance, and notes that
the precordial region was the chief locus of attack.
Linnell (N. A. J. H., Dec., 1890) records a case of
angina pectoris, pain in precordial region and left arm, brought on by slightest exertion,
cured with Lat. Mac. 3.
Relations.─
Compare:
Lat. k. and other Arachnida. Helod. (coldness). Lach., Spig., Act. r., Cact., Kalm.,
Lycopus, &c. (angina pectoris). Sanguisug. (non-coagulating hćmorrhages).
SYMPTOMS.
1. Mind.─
Extreme anxiety.─Screams
fearfully, exclaiming that she would lose her breath and die.
6. Face.─
Expression of deep anxiety.
11, 12. Stomach and Abdomen.─
Nausea followed by
severe abdominal pains (1/2 h.).─Vomited black vomit copiously; which > (26h.).─Severe abdominal pain with
nausea, and a sinking sensation at epigastrium.
13. Stools.─
Two copious evacuations similar to
the black vomit.
15. Male Sexual Organs.─
Itching of prepuce (seat
of the bite), with a little redness of the part.
17. Respiratory Organs.─
Extreme apnśa.─Respiration
only occasional, gasping.
19. Heart.─
Violent precordial pains extending to
axilla and down l. arm and forearm to fingers with numbness of the extremity and apnśa.─Later,
most violent precordial pains and pain in l. arm, which was almost paralysed.─Pulse
130.─Pulse so frequent it could not be counted and so feeble it could
scarcely be felt (26h.).─Pulse quick and thready (in few minutes).─Pain
extends from bitten r. hand to back of head; more violent pain in precordia, extending
thence to l. shoulder and axilla, down arm to finger-ends, l. arm partially paralysed; l.
pulse extinct, r. pulse doubtful.─Pain in precordia with apnśa;
screaming fearfully, exclaiming that she would lose her breath and die.
22. Upper Limbs.─
Violent pain extending from bite
on r. wrist, up forearm and arm to shoulder, thence up neck to r. back of head and
precordia; thence down l. axilla and arm to finger-tips, l. arm partially paralysed.─Stinging
in r. wrist, with itching and redness of bitten spot; in 1/2 h., painful sensations extended
up arm to shoulder; in 1h. along neck to back of head; later, pain in precordia and apnśa;
screaming fearfully.
24. Generalities.─
When cupped the blood flowed
like water and would not coagulate; not even when tannin was added next day.─In
36h. from the time he was, bitten he took 3 1/2 quart bottles of the best rectified whisky
without the least sign of intoxication.─Itching, and redness of part
bitten, at first without pain, but violent pain soon commenced there (back of l. hand) and
extended in a short time up forearm and arm to shoulder and thence to precordial region.─Apparently
moribund.
27. Fever.─
Skin cold as marble.─Skin
very cold (few m.).® 2000
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