11c. In a third proving, for 3 d. took 3x and 2x trits., from 4th to 10th d. increasing doses of lx. On 3rd days occipital pain recurred (for 1 3/4 hours), and again on 4th (for 1 hour); on this d. dull pain at cardiac orifice of stomach while breakfasting. On 5th occipital pain came and went all day; in morning more frequent micturition than usual; at 1 p.m. prostrate feeling after short walk. On 6th, same symptoms without headache; also (and on 5th as well) frequent dull pain on small spot in right calf, which at length became tender. On 7th, yellowness of eyes. On 8th, prostration of mind after writing awhile, occipital pain, slight nausea for 1 or 2 hours after taking drug. On 9th and 10th d. occipital pains. (Ibid.).
Experiments on animals
1a. A solution of 3ss of the crystals in of alcohol was given to a cat for four days, at first in doses, finally in one of 3j. A few hours after the last she died. The symptoms were gradually increasing unwillingness to move about, the limbs at last becoming quite limp; and vomiting and diarrhoea, the stools dark and very offensive. Past mortem, the pyloric end of the duodenum, with the mesenteric glands, were congested bluish- black; and the cerebellum, medulla oblongata and upper part of the cord were “completely disorganised, soft and pulpy.” The cerebrum was but slightly softened, the lower cord not at all. (Couch, N. Y. J. of Hom., ii, 145.)
1b. A series of 2, 3, and 4-drachm doses of the solution were given to a strong healthy dog during ten days, when he died. The symptoms were the same, with the addition of dyspnoea, salivation, and “bloody urine” passed with much straining. The paralytic symptoms were conjoined with some of spasmodic character; e.g. 5th day: “Lies down constantly when not disturbed and made to stand up; when lying, weak tonic followed by clonic spasms; muscles of legs and back twitch spasmodically; pupils dilated. 6th day: trembling, wavering, cannot stand firmly; muscles twitch spasmodically; keeps his legs wide apart when standing; looks steadily at objects as if unable to make out what they are.” The autopsy disclosed a similar condition of the nervous centres; the muscles of the hind legs thin and wasted; and the left lung the seat of congestion above and grey hepatisation below. (Ibid.)
1c. In later investigations of same kind, entire anaesthesia and analgesia of posterior extremities was noted. Under the influence of the drug the animals display great weakness and lassitude; especially is this noticeable of the hind legs, they being scarcely able to support the already attenuated body, which sways constantly from side to side; the tail, too, is as limp as wet rag, and cannot be made to either wag or curl. As more of drug is absorbed these symptoms become more and more prominent, the animal falls over at the slightest push and seems unable to rise. His whole aspect is now one of the greatest terror; the fur on the neck is erect and bristling; the eyes are prominent and staring; the head is turned quickly from side to side as if fearing a deadly attack from some dreadful unseen enemy; the gait, too, is peculiar, resembling somewhat that of locomotor ataxia. This is due to sudden spasms of individual muscles during the act of walking. On being urged to run three or four feet, he seems as if suddenly pulled back upon his haunches by some unseen force. The spasms now become general, involving all the voluntary and some of the involuntary muscles; the whole body becomes convulsed, respiration is stopped, opisthotonos sets in; after 2 m. muscles relax and respiration is slowly established. A slight rustling, a jar, or the noise is sufficient to produce a recurrence of the above phenomena. If rest and quiet are allowed, the animal may perfectly recover. If, however, too large a dose has been administered the spasms recur more and more frequently, till death finally occurs form prolonged spasms of the muscles of respiration. During the later stages of the poisoning, clonic spasms of the jaws occur with sufficient force to cause the sound of clashing teeth to be heard fifty feet or more away. (Ibid., Hom. Times., April, 1878.)
1d. In these experiments the pulse and respiration ratio showed a marked similarity to the phenomena following section and consequent paralysis of both pneumogastric nerves. (Ibid.)
1e. Dr. Couch examined ophthalmoscopically eyes of four dogs poisoned by acid, and found in all venous congestion. On one sent to him for examination, Dr. Norton reports:- “October 12. – This morning I examined the eyes of a dog chronically poisoned with p. acid, that Dr. Couch had sent me. Pupils dilated with atropine. Ophthalmoscopic appearances of the two eyes are similar, refractive media clear, optic nerve apparently slightly hyperaemic, retinal vessels, especially veins, enlarged. Thin streaks of reddish colour in choroid, probably physiological, and due to want of pigment; above optic nerve in particular immense white patches of exudation are observed, with some haemorrhagic spots. It is impossible to say whether they are in the retina or choroid, as there are several points in favor of each.
“22nd. – This morning the dog’s eyes were sent to me for microscopical examination. Optic nerve entrance much swollen and infiltrated; masses of yellowish-white exudation are observed, extending from the nerve into the various portions of the retina; others are unconnected with the nerve-entrance. In some places these points have a white glistening look, but generally partake of the appearance noted above. The whole retina appears as if infiltrated; small extravasations are found in the optic nerve and in the retina. The choroid was normal as far as examined. Owing to an accident the different retinal layers could not be seen.” (Ibid.)
2. [Christison relates, from Buchner, some experiments made with drug by Rapp, under its old name of carbazotic acid. As, however, not the pure crystals, but the yellow liquor from which they are procured, was employed, we have not used them here. – EDS.
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.