MENTAL STATES



The following is a case of a lady, aet. 44: “I saw,” writes Dr. A., of Arnsberg, on he 7th of February, “a lady suffering from mental derangement. Religious melancholy was at the root, although before this occurrence she had not inclined to religious excitement. She now declared she was lost forever – lamented, cried, wrung her hands and tore her clothes, or pieces of paper which were laid about to prevent her tearing her garments. She did not know those around her, and was unable to sleep. Her eyes had an unconscious stare, and frequently it required two persons to hold her down. Only by holding her nose and by force, a little food or medicine could be put down her throat. I prescribed Kali phos., as her condition, though one of excitement, was originally one of depression, to which Kali phos. is suited. Dr. Schussler says in his book : “A functional disturbance of the molecules of this salt causes in the brain mental depression, showing itself in irritability, terror, weeping, nervousness, etc., as well as softening of the brain.” She took Kali phos. with excellent results. A former experience gained by this remedy led me to select

it.

“On that occasion it was in the case of an old man, aet. 80. He suffered from mental derangement which showed itself in the form of intense hypochondriasis and melancholia. He was tired of life, but had a fear of death. For weeks he had been treated to no purpose with many remedies apparently called for, as Nux vomica, Aurum, Bromide of potassium in allopathic doses. But he was rapidly cured by the continuous use of Kali phos. Even after eight hours from the commencement of the treatment, a certain feeling of calmness was experienced, and that night he had a quiet sleep. I had, therefore, no reason to regret the treatment I selected, as the improvement continued steadily, so that on the 25th of February I discontinued my professional visits.

“I have seen my previous patient frequently, busily engaged in her home with her usual cheerfulness, and she speaks quite calmly of her past illness.” (From Schussler).

Dr. Alice I. Ross reports a case of mental derangement in a man past fifty. Had not slept for nights. Thought himself friendless and penniless. Kali phos. brought about gradual improvement in sleep, appetite, etc., until he fully recovered, a normal, strong and healthy man. (Iowa Hom. Journal, Oct., ’13).

William Boericke
William Boericke, M.D., was born in Austria, in 1849. He graduated from Hahnemann Medical College in 1880 and was later co-owner of the renowned homeopathic pharmaceutical firm of Boericke & Tafel, in Philadelphia. Dr. Boericke was one of the incorporators of the Hahnemann College of San Francisco, and served as professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics. He was a member of the California State Homeopathic Society, and of the American Institute of Homeopathy. He was also the founder of the California Homeopath, which he established in 1882. Dr. Boericke was one of the board of trustees of Hahnemann Hospital College. He authored the well known Pocket Manual of Materia Medica.
W.A. Dewey
Dewey, Willis A. (Willis Alonzo), 1858-1938.
Professor of Materia Medica in the University of Michigan Homeopathic Medical College. Member of American Institute of Homeopathy. In addition to his editoral work he authored or collaborated on: Boericke and Dewey's Twelve Tissue Remedies, Essentials of Homeopathic Materia Medica, Essentials of Homeopathic Therapeutics and Practical Homeopathic Therapeutics.