Introduction
Sodium carbonate, NaCO3. 10H2O.
Provings
1. HAHNEMANN, Chronic Diseases, part iv of original, vol. of translation. Contains 1082 symptoms from self and 5 others.
2. While large and continued doses induce anaemia and asthenia, small quantities, given for a moderate time, help to saponify fatty food, aid its oxidation and that of carbonaceous material generally, improve digestion and raise temperature…. The carbonate, according to the majority of observers, diminishes the excretion of uric acid; and as this acid results from insufficient oxidation its diminished excretion implies improvement in oxidation. The reported increase of excretion implies improvement in oxidation. The reported increase of excretion of carbonic acid requires proof, but is rendered probable by the increase which follows injection of lactate of soda into the veins (Husemann)…. Under daily 5 grm. doses of the bicarbonate urea is diminished, and anaemia and prostration induced (Rabuteau)…. According to pavy, the carbonate not only increases the bile, but also the percentage of fat in the liver; and when introduced into the portal system, causes the disappearance of hepatine, without formation of sugar (Guy’s Reports, 1861; Proc. Roy. Soc., x xi; Medorrhinum Times and Gaz., 1865, i.); also the saccharine urine which commonly follows certain lesions of the sympathetic does not occur of much soda be previously introduced into the blood….. It is an important difference between potash and soda that the former is an active cardiac depressant and poison, while the latter has no definite effect on the heart – muscle or the circulation…. Munch found, in 5 subjects, when perspiration or diarrhoea did not occur, increased excretion of urine is the principle effect of 3 to 6 or 9 grm. doses of carbonate, but Rabuteau and Constant could not verify any increase with 5 grm. doses, given daily. (PHILLIPS, op. cit.).
Poisonings
1. It is well known that animals fed wholly upon sugar are subject, among other accidents, to a softening of the cornea and destruction of the eye. It seems that soda produces similar effects on those engaged in its manufacture; it appears to dissolve the fibrin of the blood and cause on excessive fluidity of it, produces a kind of leucoma, and finally ulceration of the cornea. The workmen who have to pound the crude article are the most exposed to its influence. All they long they are covered with soda suspended in the atmosphere in the form of a fine powder. It is among them that the greatest number of cases of keratitis with ulceration occur. The workmen engaged in drying the refined soda by agitating it continually on heated plates of iron, and those engaged in packing item, are also among those most exposed to its action. The pernicious influence of the soda is usually manifested by the following general symptoms; earthy, wan complexion; slight puffiness of the face; swelling (generally painful) of the glands of the throat and axilla; oedema of lower extremities (seldom); anorexia; constipation or diarrhoea; sometimes palpitation, and a well – marked bellows sound. As regards the ulcer of the cornea, it is always large and deep, and as often precedes as follows the other symptoms.
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.