It is sometimes true, when we have a case with alternating phases or series of symptom groups and we are unable to meet the condition with a remedy that covers all the phases (either because we do not learn of the alternating phases from the patient in the first place or because we do not know of a remedy to meet the condition), that by meeting the symptom groups as they arise in the case itself as we go on, the symptomatology becomes clearer and more distinct so that we more completely meet the conditions as they arise and the patient’s condition becomes better as a whole. This is meeting the case by a zigzag process, removing the most pronounced and characteristic symptoms by the remedies most similar in each state, but it takes very careful prescribing or we are apt to hopelessly mix the case. This may be done in emergencies or when we cannot find a better method. It serves better as a palliative measure in incurable states than as a curative measure in curable states, and a failure in any of one of a series of successive prescriptions may mean the difference between possibility and impossibility of eventual cure. There is far more satisfaction and the case is much more complete if we can get a picture of the whole condition and of the single remedy to meet that condition.
This may be difficult from two angles. The young physician may find it difficult to do this work carefully because he lacks the knowledge of the materia medica; but he has at his command a wonderful source of help in his repertories, which will often serve his purpose by quick reference, filling in the knowledge that he lacks of the remedy. Another possibility is that of remedy relationships and the relationships of the various inherited dyscrasias to the case; these are large subjects in themselves and will be discussed elsewhere. Again, it is very possible that the remedy covering the case has not been proven fully, or may not have been thought of by the students of materia medica.
Here is where the limitations of man’s knowledge manifests itself. The law is correct and God-given, but no secrets of knowledge are ever given without diligent work and observation on the part of man. Much work has been done by our antecedents in developing an exceedingly valuable materia medica, and they have left a glorious record in the symptomatology of the different remedies. They have given us the weapons to meet these states; if we fail it is not the fault of the law, nor of the weapons, but of our failure to learn the use of our equipment. Incurable cases are a source of great anxiety to every physician, but the physician who will follow the law of similars with the use of the single remedy in potentized form will give quicker relief and more sustained relief than all the massive doses of narcotics and sedatives.
In cases of mechanical injuries where there is much pain and which would be subject to narcotic or sedative treatment under ordinary medicine, the homoeopathic physician has a group of vulnerary remedies that will not only allay the pain and distress incident to traumatic conditions, but will prevent congestive, suppurative or gangrenous processes and actually will hasten healing; whereas narcotics, while deadening the pain, invite structural changes by slowing the natural recuperative powers. In this class we may mention such remedies as *Arnica, *Hypericum, *Ledum, *Natrum sulph., *Rhus tox. and *Ruta, each of the highest usefulness when indicated. These remedies cannot be used successfully at random, any more than in any other condition; but when they are similar to the condition they are of inestimable benefit.
The homoeopathic physician finds another substitute for narcotics in surgical cases, either before or after operation. Here the indicated remedy does excellent service, and the patient will go through the mental and physical distress very happily. These remedies will be indicated partly by the symptomatology of the patient and partly by the immediate cause of distress, such as lacerated wounds, strenuous vomiting, shock and incarcerated flatus. In other words, here also the symptom must be complete.
These are the things that may be done to relieve suffering. The same law applies in curable and incurable cases, and it is very essential in curable cases that no narcotic nor hypnotic nor sedative should be used, for the reason that these cloud the whole condition; but if the true reflection of the symptomatology be found we have a basis for help which no other means could offer. In incurable cases, or seemingly incurable cases, we must not put a limitation on the possibilities of the similar remedy, for in many seemingly incurable conditions the *simillimum will so completely meet the situation as to obliterate the symptomatology of disease and the pathology, and will restore the patient to health.
