Poisonings
1a. The reaction of A. with albumen furnishes a simple explanation of the corrosive action of the salt in solid form or in concentrated solution. The great rapidity with which a case observed by Ricquet (Journ. de Pharm. et Chim., Oct., 1873) proved fatal, and some symptoms noted in previous cases of poisoning (tremor of muscles, spasms, depression, &c.) give reason to suspect that A. exerts also a constitutional action, the more so as in Ricquet’s case the local lesions were found at the autopsy comparatively slight, and entirely out of proportion to the rapid course of the poisoning. 1b. Of all the symptoms the most constant are the pains in the cavity of the mouth, oesophagus and stomach, which are experienced immediately after taking the poison, and also the vomiting, which comes on very soon, and is sometimes bloody. Ricquet also observed severe dysphagia, torturing thirst, and retention of faeces. Several writers mention great weakness of the muscles and depression. The consciousness is unclouded. There is great anxiety, and sometimes a convulsive tremor of the muscles is observed. The pulse is exceedingly small and frequent. After repeated fainting fits and a considerable reduction of temperature below the normal point, death ensued within 24 hours.
1c. At the autopsy, yellowish-grey deposits were found on the mucous membrane of mouth, pharynx, and oesophagus; tongue and palate were swollen. Stomach, intestines, and kidneys were hyperaemic, but without noticeable loss of substance. (BOEHM, Ziemssen’s Cyclamen, xvii.).
Experiments on animals
1a. Orfila gave zvij of crystallised alum in powder to dogs; the animals retained it from 10 – 30 m., then vomited, and in an hours were apparently well; zij of burnt alum in ziv of cold water occasioned vomiting only. When oesophagus was tied to prevent vomiting death took place in 5 hours, with symptoms of great exhaustion and diminished sensibility. On P. M. examination, mucous membrane of stomach was found inflamed in whole extent.
1b. Bourgelat has seen a phthisical condition induced in horses by the use of alum in too great quantities. (PEREIRA, op. cit., sub voce.).
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.