1 f. Dr. Beard’s explanation of the case was: “That by some abnormal action of the drug, some interference, most likely, with the cerebral circulation, the initiative was transferred from the left hemisphere of that brain to the r. It is a familiar fact that, under normal conditions, all our muscular impulses originate in the left hemisphere of the brain and are transferred to the r. The left lobe of the brain leads, the right follows, and thus the activities of a mass that actually consists of two brains which are functionally independent of each other, are coordinated and work together in harmony. If both hemisphere acted simultaneously and independently the result would be double thought, double life, disorder, and contradiction. Each hemisphere being, then, so far as nervous functions are concerned, both motor and sensory, a perfect brain, one must be subordinated to the other in function, or confusion would result; and it is probable in point of fact that many strange psychological phenomena actually arise from temporarily interrupted or defective co ordination; as when, for example, a man has the momentary consciousness of double being or of living a double life – a phenomenon due, no doubt, to the momentarily independent action of the two masses. In the case of the young man, it is probable that the coordination of the two hemispheres was disturbed, and the right for the time being assumed the initiative that had so long appertained to its fellow.
1 g. “The result was complete reversal of the established associations of the sensory and intellectual life. As the effect of the sedative were off and the normal circulation was re- established, the left hemisphere resumed its former hegemony, and the natural order of things was restored.
1 h. “It is possible, again, that the trouble was confined to the optic nerve and its lobes, and did not extend to the whole cerebral mass. A little anatomical study will readily explain how this might occur, with the exact result described by the patient. But this is certain, in any event, that the old explanation of being ‘turned round’ did not hold good in the case under consideration, and that a deeper and more occult cause must be assigned for it.” (N. Y. Medorrhinum Times, April, 1883.).
Experiments on animals
1. Like other bromides, it produces weakness and paralysis, stupor and sleep. It slows pulse and respiration, and reduces temperature. In the rabbit the vessels of the eye and ear are contracted. When given for a length of time it produces marked emaciation. In large doses it has caused epileptiform convulsions. (BRUNTON, Pharmacology, p. 930. Summary of De Bourneville’s experiments in Practitioner, xiii, 112.).
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.