MANGANOUS ACETATE AND CARBONATE.
Introduction
(The native black oxide of Manganese, a mixture of various oxides, which has been proved only by Lembke, is called Manganum Oxydatum Nativum.)
Manganum was first proved by Hahnemann, who predicted great results from it in chronic ailments, and he hoped that it would have further proving.
Hughes says. “It is a medicine which seems to deserve more attention than is at present given to it,” for it seems to be almost neglected by our school.
Symptoms
It appears to be of especial use in anaemia (15) and laryngo-tracheal conditions, for paralysis of the lower extremities and for chronic skin lesions. There is an aggravation at night and during cold and stormy weather. (9).
In anaemic conditions the following from the Handbook will prove a clear and concise statement concerning its use: “Preparations of this drug have been found very useful in general anaemia, almost taking the place of Iron, especially when there is tendency to early but scanty menstruation (1350 or when there is tendency to menstrual discharge between the periods” (136).
It has been used with success in naso-pharyngeal catarrh, with deafness or stoppage of the ears that is relieved on blowing the nose.
The nose is obstructed with thick, greenish much and there is an aggravation of all conditions during cold, wet weather
(142).
In the throat, Allen says, it is “particularly valuable for anaemic persons who are predisposed to catarrhal troubles.” It is very useful in laryngeal catarrh, with hoarseness (118) and even aphonia, and the attempt to clear the larynx of the accumulation of mucus causes a sensation of rawness. Hughes, in speaking of it in “laryngo-tracheitis chronica, which is very common among persons who use their organs of speech a good deal,” says:
” The hoarseness depends upon the presence of hard and tenacious mucus, so that towards noon, when this has been cleared away, the voice is tolerably clear.”
The cough of Manganum is apt to become worse in the evening until lying down, not troubling the patient much at night. It is worse from talking (43) or reading aloud, both of which cause dryness and rawness in the larynx.
It is very valuable for boys when the voice is changing, and especially when associated with catarrh and efforts to clear the voice.
In phthisis of the larynx (191) it is useful as a palliative, especially when there is rawness and great hoarseness.
Manganum is to be thought of in articular rheumatism that shifts from joint to joint (149),”generally crosswise” (Hering), with aggravation of the pain at night.
It has received but little attention in reference to paralysis of the lower extremities, although we known that among workers in Manganese, or ” used in large dose for a considerable period of time, it produces….progressive wasting and feebleness, a staggering gait and paralysis (paraplegia)” (Bartholow).
Hughes differentiates this “from the paralysis of lead in not being associated with colic or constipation, and from that or mercury, in first affecting the lower extremities, and in not presenting tremors of the affected part.”
In reference to the skin symptoms, we quote the following from Dearborn : “In chronic eczema associated with amenorrhoea, aggravated at the menstrual period (138) or occurring at the menopause, this drug will sometimes afford relief when the more common remedies fail.”
I use Manganum 3d.
