Latrodectus mactans. *N.O. Arachnida. Tincture of living spider.
Generalities
When cupped the blood flowed like water and would not coagulate, not even when tannin was added next day. In 36H. from the time he was bitten he took 3 1/2 quart bottles of the best rectified whisky without the least sign of intoxication. Itching and redness of part bitten, at first without pain, but violent pain soon commenced there (back of left hand) and extended in a short time up forearm and arm to shoulder and thence to precordial region. Apparently moribund.
Characteristics
To the ready pen and luminous insight of S.A. Jones, and to the labours of A.J. Tafel. who furnished data and materials, we owe the introduction of this remedy into the materia medica. In a most interesting article communicated to the *homoeopathic Recorder of July, 1889, and reproduced by Anschutz in *New, *Old, and *Forgotten Remedies, Jones relates the facts concerning this spider and the effects of its bite, recorded by E.W. Semple, M.D., in the *Virginia Medorrhinum Monthly of 1875. Case I. A man bitten on the prepuce. At first there was itching, in less than half an hour nausea followed by severe abdominal pains. Soon after, violent precordial pains, extending to axilla and down left arm and forearm to fingers with numbness of the extremities and apnoea. Dry cupping was resorted to and the blood that flowed was *thin and florid and un-coagulable. This was before Semple arrived. He then found most violent precordial pains, the left arm almost paralysed, pulse 130, very feeble, Skin cold as marble, countenance expressive of deep anxiety. At eight next morning, in spite of stimulants and pediluvia, the symptoms were worse and continued to increase until 2.30 p.m. Pulse uncountable and scarcely to be felt. Vomited black vomit, a quart or more. Soon after, reaction set in and the man gradually recovered. He had two copious stools like the black matter vomited, and after that felt quite well. In thirty-six hours from the time the was bitten he took 3 1/2 quart bottles of the best rectified whisky without showing the least symptoms of intoxication. Jones considers the order of the occurrence of these symptoms of great importance, and notes that the precordial region was the chief *locus of attack Linnell (*N. A. F. H., Dec., 1890) records a case of angina pectoris, pain in precordial region and left arm. brought on by slightest exertion, cured with *Lat. mac. 3.
Clinical
Angina pectoris. Hemorrhages, watery.
Mind
Extreme anxiety. Screams fearfully, exclaiming that she would lose her breath and die.
Face
Expression of deep anxiety.
Stomach and Abdomen
Nausea followed by severe abdominal pains (1/2 h.) _ Vomited black vomit copiously, which better (26H.) _ Severe abdominal pain with nausea, and a sinking sensation at epigastrium.
Stool
Two copious evacuations similar to the black vomit.
Male Sexual Organs
Itching of prepuce (seat of the bite), with a little redness of the part.
Respiratory Organs
Extreme apnoea. Respiration only occasional, gasping.
Heart
Violent precordial pains extending to axilla and down left arm and forearm to fingers with numbness of the extremity and apnoea. Later, most violent precordial pains and pain in left arm, which was almost paralysed. Pulse 130. Pulse so frequent it could not be counted and so feeble it could scarcely be felt (26th.). Pulse quick and thready (in few minutes). Pain extends from bitten right hand to back of head, more violent pain in precordia, extending thence to left shoulder and axilla, down arm to finger- ends, left arm partially paralysed, left pulse extinct, right pulse doubtful. Pain in precordia with apnoea, screaming fearfully, exclaiming that she would lose her breath and die.
Upper Limbs
Violent pain extending from bite on right wrist, up forearm and arm to shoulder, thence up neck to right back of head and precordia, thence down left axilla and arm to finger-tips, left arm partially paralysed. Stinging in right wrist, with itching and redness of bitten spot, in 1/2 h., painful sensations extended up arm to shoulder, in 1H. along neck to back of head, later, in pain precordia and apnoea, screaming fearfully.
Fever
Skin cold as marble. Skin very cold (few m.).
Relations
*Compare: Lat. k. and other Arachnida. Helo. (Coldness). Lachesis, Spigelia, Actea R., Cact., Kalm., Lycopus, etc. (angina pectoris). Sanguisug. (non-coagulating hemorrhages).
