Introduction
Nitro-muriatic (nitro-hydrochloric) acid. A mixture of nitric and muriatic acids, the latter generally preponderating.
Provings
1 a. Dr. SCOTT took baths of acid, prepared with three parts of nitric to one of muriatic acid, and added to water till latter tasted sour. After three daily immersions of 1/2 hour each became sensible of odd sensation about gums, jaws, and teeth. Continued bath 2 day more. On 4th days some uneasiness on swallowing, and occasional salivation; gums somewhat reddened. On 5th day pain on swallowing felt all down oesophagus with burning there and in roof of mouth. On 6th day mouth somewhat painful and pulse quicker than usual. These symptoms continued in some degree for a fortnight afterwards.
1b. Mere sponging skin with acid, sufficiently diluted with water, gives rise to same effects with bathing. When bathing or sponging is carried to a considerable extent, and when system is much under its influence, a sense of weakness comes on occasionally; some nervous irritation and restlessness are felt; a metallic taste (generally compared to that of copper) becomes sensible; a sense of pain occurs in some parts of the palate or mouth, which is not permanent, but comes and soon goes off again. At length little specks or small ulcerations, quite superficial, are seen on interior of mouth and over tongue, so that some degree of excoriation or rawness is at last produced. This is attended by a considerable discharge of saliva, with an increase of the feeling of lowness or depression. There is no foetor; the salivation is intermittent only; the teeth are never injured. The excoriations soon disappear when the acid is discontinued. It sometimes vary suddenly increases the secretion of bile, and this effect may be kept up for a length of time. It increases the perspiration and often to a great extent. I have lately added more and more of the muriatic acid in proportion to the nitric, and the effects have proportionately increased. (American Medorrhinum Recorder, i, 84.)
2. Dr. J. C. MORGAN, June 30th, 1867, at 6:10 p. m., took 2 drops of lx dil. (aqueous) in 3j of water. Immediately sense of pressure or fulness in the parotid, submaxillary, and sublingual glands, in order named, with some increase of saliva. On left side increased more and more towards zygoma and malar bone; less on right side. At 11, 1 drop; slept well. July 1st, noon, of solution of gtt. iij in f of water took a sip, about 3j; five minutes after, while leaning to left side, sudden sticking ache in left temporal region preceded by twitching or anterior fibres of temporal muscle. In 1/2 hour, while writing at a very low table, spasmodic tremulous contractions in pharynx, in the vicinity of the levator palati muscles. On walking in room, 1 hour later, a cramp momentarily felt in hollow of right foot. 2nd, 1 p. m., took another sip from the solution. Immediately sensation in penis, afterwards in bladder (whilst writing) of desire to urinate; later a sort of languid aching through hips and thighs (front) and small of back (having rested arms on thighs). After a short delay passed a quantity of normal, somewhat pale, urine. Afterwards, while sitting, a glow, with languid feeling, from calf to sole of left lower extremity, continuing as heat in the sole. Afterwards, sticking in dorsum of right hand to third knuckle. Afterwards, successively, the same on dorsum of left forehand and hand, then in back of both thighs when walking, at 7 1/2 p.m. Directly after, while still walking, a sharp, stitch-like drawing pain in front of right forearm, beginning, and worst and most persistent, at commencement of biceps tendon, above elbow. (Ate vanilla ice-cream at dessert, 4 p. m.) The pains (especially of upper extremities) recurred quite frequently up to morning of July 3rd. (Hahn. Monthly, vi, 186.)
3. Dr. C. WINSLOW. Age 26; temperament bilious. Experimented with nitromuriatic acid, each dose containing one tenth of a drop. Took first dose at 10 a. m. At 11, slight feverishness, slight frontal headache, with some dizziness. Second dose at 3 p. m. At 4, feverishness continued; peculiar sensations in temples, as if brain were distended; a feeling of pressure on temples; some palpitation of heart. Third dose at 6 p. m. About 1 hour after taking this dose had a slight colic in lower region of abdomen; slept unusually well, and felt the next morning, the 21st, better than usual. August 21st, at 10 a. m., took another dose. Experienced no unusual sensations except some slight feverishness. At 3 p. m., took fifth dose and felt no symptoms, no feverishness. (Ibid.).
Hughes was a great writer and a scholar. He actively cooperated with Dr. T.F. Allen to compile his 'Encyclopedia' and rendered immeasurable aid to Dr. Dudgeon in translating Hahnemann's 'Materia Medica Pura' into English. In 1889 he was appointed an Editor of the 'British Homoeopathic Journal' and continued in that capacity until his demise. In 1876, Dr. Hughes was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Organization of the International Congress of Homoeopathy Physicians in Philadelphia. He also presided over the International Congress in London.