A PLEA FOR THE CHILDREN


Time will not permit us to go into detail farther, but we will say that a diagnosis of idiot, Mongolian idiot, a hopeless case, was made by several doctors, one of them claiming special preparation for taking charge of an institution for treatment of cases of this kind. According to this opinion this unfortunate was destined to merely exist through this earthy life without having any knowledge of having lived.


In an article given in this bureau last year and published in the September number of the Recorder, p.674, (Report of Four Clinical Cases) we gave a report of four cases in which we endeavored to point out a few of the many handicaps with which children may, and do, enter this earthy existence. At the same time we spoke of the desirability, and we should say, the necessity for beginning at the very earliest opportunity, to determine whether or not there be any deficiency of make-up, mental or physical, that may need careful attention. After being interested in this subject for almost a half century, and studying it more particularly for the last decade, we are thoroughly convinced that very much can be done by proper care and study and the proper application of dynamic medicine, toward the making of healthier, better and more intelligent people. We believe that healthy and intelligent people are better and more useful people.

We promised last year to write again of the one most interesting case, in which we gave the name Lois Jean, so that if anyone cares to refer to the article it can be found in the September Journal.

Here was a child 14 months of age, apparently fairly well developed excepting that the muscles of the arms and neck were soft and without tone. She had no control of these muscles, the head lopping toward whichever direction the body was inclined, and the fingers would not close over any object placed in the hand. Body was well formed and she only lacked the light of intelligence in the face, to be a beautiful child. It was discovered that the child could neither see nor hear, although the eyes and ears appeared to be perfect. And it was only after careful the cause was found to be retarded development of the nerve fibres which would carry the picture from the retina to the receiving center, and sound vibrations to the proper center. The same condition existed in the nerves controlling the muscles of the upper body.

Time will not permit us to go into detail farther, but we will say that a diagnosis of idiot, Mongolian idiot, a hopeless case, was made by several doctors, one of them claiming special preparation for taking charge of an institution for treatment of cases of this kind. According to this opinion this unfortunate was destined to merely exist through this earthy life without having any knowledge of having lived. We like to think of this life as the first grade of that great and marvelous scheme in which there is ever growth in knowledge and all of its attributes, always approaching but never reaching the infinite.

Looking at the matter from this standpoint, what an unfortunate handicap do we see in this case.

Briefly we will say that under the remedy Calcarea carb., after six or seven weeks, the child had gained control of the muscles so that the head was held erect and there was some control of the hands and arms. A little later when she had completed her sixteenth month, we exchanged the remedy for Baryta carb. with the object of trying to awaken the intellect; and in a few weeks we have the child developing very much like a normal child, born about the time she was sixteen months old. After the end of the fourth month she was able to handle small toys or a doll, and would hold one of these high up turning it about and looking at it very earnestly, as if studying each part. The improvement continued at about the same rate, the child recognize those caring for her, and every one concerned was very much pleased with the progress made.

But now, at a time when things were as favorable as one could wish, through the influence of some friends (?), the case was taken to a specialist in another city. A specimen of spinal fluid was examined, and they were told there was no real disease present, and that it was an easy case. At this time we must member that the mental awakening was in evidence.

They were asked to return the child after for weeks, the remedy given being thyroid compound tablets. This we believe was a mistake, as was the diagnosis also. The almost perfect physical development, body, bones, teeth and all, did not indicate a thyroid insufficiency, in our opinion.

However, the child was not returned to the specialist, and after ten weeks a letter was received telling that the little one had “gone way back”, and requesting that we take back, not only this case, but a second child, born thirteen months after Lois Jean. The second was afflicted somewhat similarly but not so badly.

The two began to improve at once, but poor Lois Jean not so much as her sister. but unfortunately for all, after a few months, trouble came into the family. The husband proved to be a very irresponsible man, to say the least. After having been arrested and fined in Detroit for some misdemeanor, he was brought into court in our city for non-support of his family. As a result of this the two children were taken to some kind of an institution of the state of Michigan. What may be in store for them cannot be told.

One more item must be mentioned before leaving this history. Imagine our horror on being told that while this trouble was taking place, a third child was born. Well, we will only say that this case was put into our hands during its first month, and we are going to try to do something for her that is worth while.

So far we probably have consumed more time than we should have taken, in disposing of this case; yet we must write more if it is only to show that we recognize the face that we have a little at the head of this paper.

There is a very commendable movement in our country that is beginning to function in the interest of child welfare; and while we recognize the fact that there are individuals in our profession, more capable than the author of this paper, who are doing much in this line of work, yet, judging by what we see and do not see in our journals, and by what we hear and do not heat, in our meetings, one must conclude that much of this very important field is lying fallow and uncultivated.

A strong body and a vigorous intellect are just as essential in the making of good, progressive and law-abiding men and women, as is a firm foundation in the building of a fine and comfortable home.

And heaven knows that the crying need of the world right now is good honest citizenship.

I think it is true that every good homoeopathic has the reputation of being “a good childrens doctor”, and this is rightly so, as he has the medical equipment and the knowledge to back it up.

And while this is true, we have wondered why it is, that, judging from what we see and what we do not see, in our meetings, we get the impression that there is not sufficient attention being given to this very important work. It is important for two very good reasons; first for the inestimable benefit of the children. And as a result of this favorable start in life there will follow a sturdier and more useful degeneration. Then we can see that their children will be benefited, and so it is cumulative. And if we do our part, the growth will be enhanced.

The second important reason is that it will make for the advancement of homoeopathy. And this I think we all believe to be a very important matter. “Cure the children and you have the parents.”.

And now before closing let us suggest-yes, let an old man urge-that you go back to your work and think-think a lot-upon this subject. Study the little helpless infants that come into your care. Question the parents closely, that you may find, or may not find, a chance for an unfavorable inheritance. Watch the tonsils early, and if disease appears, stay with the case until the tonsils are saved. They belong to the child. Look for enlarged lymphatics and for the cause and cure it. In fact try to discover everything that is unfavorable.

Establish clinics in favorable locations and as many as possible of you make specialists of yourselves. Tell the people of the great possibilities for help in these cases, that is to be found in dynamic medicine properly applied. Let each individual do what he can, and do not lose sight of the fact that co- operation work is very desirable and effective, also.

HAMILTON, OHIO.

DISCUSSION.

SECRETARY H.A.ROBERTS: Mr. Chairman, Dr.Overpeck is doing a remarkable work in the bringing up of these defective children to a self-supporting position. It bears our what Dr.Dixon had just been talking about as well. The American Foundation for Homoeopathy is anxious to be able to take care of miasmatic children who are suffering very much from under development mentally and physically. If you know of anyone who has many millions, who wants to make a name for himself as well as to help humanity, he can relieve the states of a large burden, and at the same time products and put in position a self-sustaining citizenship.

DR. E. UNDERHILL, JR.: I know of no class which are, as a rule, more satisfactorily prescribed for, or cases where you can do more for humanity, than in cases of children. I have often thought if I were to specialize in any one branch of medicine, I would specialize in pediatrics. Childrens lives have to deal with as a rule, and have a glorious opportunity not only to benefit the child but generations to come.

James W. Overpeck