The signs of a dominant vegetative development are, gladio-public line greater than one-fifth of the stature, and a bi-iliac diameter greater or equal to four-fifth of the lengths of the abdomen. If the epigastric circumference is greater than the thoracic, and the sagittal diameter likewise greater then the evidence of vegetative dominance is still stronger. A development of this character means large organs, vigorous functions, excessive production of lymphatic material, sluggish reactions, soft, even flabby tissues.
A young person in otherwise good health will appear rosy an robust, but closer examination will usually reveal a bluish tint in the skin, especially in the cold. The pulse, as has before been said, will always be compressible no matter how violent a morbid process may be. Another characteristic of the Ferrum phos. inflammatory process is its strong tendency to suppuration. This is because of the lymphatic saturation of the tissues and the accompanying lack of reaction. During my twenty years in ear work I found that an otitis media in this type of individual almost invariably ended in suppuration, and frequently in mastoiditis.
Moreover, I found Ferrum phos. to come as near being a specific in the early stage of such process as a remedy can be for any morbid process. The sudden onset of the symptoms, the severe throbbing pain, the flushed face, rapid rise in the temperature, etc., lead many to give Belladonna at the start and follow with Hepar when suppuration begins. In my opinion Ferrum phos. will do the work of both and do it better, and because it is the similimum to both the symptoms of the disease and the underlying morphological state.
This brief and admittedly sketchy morphological study of these two drugs is but a hint of a method which when full developed will, I believe, enables us to disclose all the facts which make an individual what he is, and so enable us “to read, interpret and evaluate the make-up of a patient” in a truly scientific manner. These facts when added to those which have already been complied will broaden the scope of the materia medica to a degree few of us can now realize; and it is my firm conviction that the future of homoeopathy depends on this work being done.
NEW YORK, N.Y.
