LACERATION OF THE CERVIX UTERI



Still another source of causation is a want of consentaneous action between fundus and cervix. The pains are intensely painful, but either lack expulsive force, or produce irregular contractions, the uterine surface being felt as if full of lumps.

The most effective drugs here, are: CAULO, SECALE C., PULSATILLA., Gelsemium, Causticum, COFFEA., BELLADONNA., Cuprum, and lastly Brandy.

Some years ago. Dr. Burdick published it as his opinion that Brandy acted on the fundus uteri. Since then several opportunities have been afforded to test the value of this observation.

On one occasion I treated a lady whose labor-pains ceased to do any good, the fundus remaining uncontracted. Despite the utmost care in selecting my remedies, the patient steadily grew worse until her distressing moaning, her rapid but weak pulse, upturned eyes, and wandering speech, warned me of her imminent danger.

The os was rigid and but slightly, dilated, rendering instrumental interference very difficult if not impossible. A few drops of cognac in a half wine-glass of water, a teaspoonful every three of four minutes, quickly restored strength, and, likewise, brought on vigorous and effective labor-pains.

More directly concerned in cervical laceration is a rigid or spasmodic state of the neck. For the first condition the best remedy is undoubtedly GELSEMIUM. Pains are cutting from before backwards and upwards, the uterus seems to go upwards. Pains leave the womb and fly all over the body (Allen)., (Compare Causticum and Caulophyllum.)

We may also consult conium when there are stinging stitches in the rigid neck; CalcareaCarb., stinging and cutting; the uterus seems to ascend, Actea Rac.

For spasmodic rigidity, the most reliable remedy is BELL., though we may need Actea Rac. and other remedies. If nausea is a prominent reflex symptom, relaxation will follow the use of Ipecac., Lobelia Inflata., Antim tart. or Morphinum. Too much credit, however, may here be misplaced, for the oncoming of nausea frequently indicates the commencement of the wished for relaxation. I do not advocate any of these drugs in emetic doses as has been advised. I refer solely to their Homoeopathicity, according to their respective symptoms. Partiality to Allopathy is never becoming in a Homoeopathician; but an emetic here is especially objectionable., for, by causing laxness, it might precipitate the very accident we are anxious to prevent.

Finally, since Dr.Burnett and several others have shown, indisputably, that the growing foetus may be influence through the mother, why should we not avail ourselves of this fact?.

E. A. Farrington
E. A. Farrington (1847-1885) was born in Williamsburg, NY, on January 1, 1847. He began his study of medicine under the preceptorship of his brother, Harvey W. Farrington, MD. In 1866 he graduated from the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania. In 1867 he entered the Hahnemann Medical College, graduating in 1868. He entered practice immediately after his graduation, establishing himself on Mount Vernon Street. Books by Ernest Farrington: Clinical Materia Medica, Comparative Materia Medica, Lesser Writings With Therapeutic Hints.