What is the relation of decimal to centesimal potencies?
The first centesimal corresponds to the second decimal, or one-hundredth of the original drug; the 2d centesimal corresponds to the 6th decimal, etc., etc.
Mention some remedies that should not be prescribed below the 2x potency, and then only with great caution.
Mercurius biniodide. (An ordinary powder of the 1x trituration of this remedy would contain three allopathic doses.) Mercurius cyanide, Atropine, Strychnine, Arsenic. in trituration, Physostigma, etc.
How are triturations converted into liquid potencies?
One grain of the 6x trituration is dissolved in 50 minims of distilled water, adding thereto 50 minims of alcohol and shaking the vial thoroughly; this is the 8x potency. Or, one grain of the 3d trituration is dissolved in 50 minims of distilled water and 50 minims of alcohol added and shaken thoroughly; this is the 4th potency. These cannot be used for saturating pellets. Subsequent dilutions are made in the usual manner, with alcohol.
What chemical or physical fact, not previously recognized by science, was discovered by Hahnemann?
That when an insoluble substance is triturated for a long white it becomes possessed of a new power which he termed solubility. This is not exactly so, but the minute particles of the finely divided substance become permanently held in suspension in alcohol or water.
What is the lowest dilution of Mercurius solubilis that is reliable?
The 6th centesimal dilution. The same applies to all minerals.
What are the different forms in which homoeopathic medicines can be obtained?
All homoeopathic medicines, including those made from minerals, can be had in liquid form, and hence in medicated globules.
Low preparations (up to the 3d centesimal or 6th decimal) of minerals, salts, some animal substances, etc., can be had only in powder form-trituration.
What caution is to be observed in keeping homoeopathic medicines?
They should not be exposed to the direct rays of the sun, nor be kept near strong odors, crude chemicals, volatile substances, etc.
Are there any chemical or analytical tests for determining the genuineness of homoeopathic preparations?
There are none except possibly for the lowest potencies. Hence the necessity of each physician being able to prepare these potencies for himself, or to procure them only from reliable homoeopathic pharmacists of established reputation.
What is the usual designation of the two scales of attenuation?
The decimal always has an x affixed to the number of potency given, the centesimal has not; thus: 6x always means the 6th decimal potency, while 6 alone means the 6th centesimal.
What is meant by a fluid extract?
A liquid preparation of uniform strength. Thus, I cubic centimeter equals 1 gram, and 1 grain equals I minim of the crude drug.
Are homoeopathic and all allopathic tinctures the same?
They are not. Most of the latter are made from dried plants, often with the introduction of foreign substances. For example: our tincture of Sanguinaria is made from the fresh plant alone, while the ordinary drug store tincture of Sanguinaria, made according to the U.S. pharmacopoeia, contains considerable Acetic acid. Our tincture of Aloes is pure Aloes. That of the old school contains twice as much licorice root as it does Aloes.
Our tinctures of Opium and Rheum are pure. The old school tincture of Opium contains phosphate of lime, and that of Rheum contains cardamom. These are potent reasons why old school tinctures will not serve in Homoeopathy.
Name some emetics with dose.
Tartar emetic, 1 to 2 grains.
Sulphate of copper, 3 to 5 grains.
Ipecac, pulverized, 10 to 20 grains.
Ipecac, fluid extract, 10 to 20 drops.
Sulphate of zinc, 10 to 20 grains.
Mustard, pulv., 1 to 2 drams.
Name some cathartics with dose.
Aloes, 2 to 10 grains.
Rochelle salts, I to 5 fluid drams.
Epsom salts, 1 to 4 fluid drams.
Calomel, 3 to 6 grains.
Podophyllin, 1/4 to 1 grain.
Elaterium, 1/8 to 1/4 grain.
Elaterin, 1/32 to 1/16 grain.
Gamboge, 2 to 4 grains.
Croton oil, 1.2 to 2 drops.
Jalap, fluid extract, 1/4 to 1 dram.
Rhubarb, fluid extract, 20 to 30 drops.
Taraxacum, fluid extract, I to 2 fluid drams.
Podophyllum, fluid extract, 10 to 20 drops.
Wahoo, fluid extract, 20 to 80 drops.
Castor oil, 1 to 4 drams.
Professor of Materia Medica in the University of Michigan Homeopathic Medical College. Member of American Institute of Homeopathy. In addition to his editoral work he authored or collaborated on: Boericke and Dewey's Twelve Tissue Remedies, Essentials of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Essentials of Homeopathic Therapeutics and Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics.