the

Dear Editor:-I accept with pleasure the opportunity to prescribe for your pneumonia patient described in August WORLD. Phosphorus and phosphorus alone will cure this patient. It may be given either in the lower or the higher

attenuations. The 30c will cure him much quicker than the 3x.

Fifteen years since I would have prescribed morphin for the pain, strichnin and digitalis for the "heart failure," quinin to support the system," with application

of ice or cold water to the chest to control

temperature. Then I should have given an unfavorable prognosis!

J. C. WHITE, M.D.

Port Chester, N. Y.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I understand Dr. S. E. Chapman, in the August WORLD, to simply call for the drug prescription for his case of pneumonia. His object is to show that we homeopaths have a law to govern us in prescribing, and that when that law is understood and obeyed, all homeopathic physicians are bound to make the same prescription in a given case. My prescription for the case in question is phosphorus 3x, 10 drops in a tumbler half full of water, a teaspoonful to be given every two hours.

Of course the prescription is based upon the symptoms as given, and while there are a number of drugs which have most of the symptoms, phosphorus is the only one having the peculiar symptoms: "Expect oration flying to pieces like batter on fall ing." Phosphorus is also particularly indicated by hepatization involving nearly the whole right lung.

Atlanta, Ga.

JOHN Z. LAWSHE, M.D.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-The following homeopathic remedies are suggested for the case described by Dr. Chapman in August MEDICAL WORLD:

During the first stage, as described, aconite would be the most useful remedy, especially during the first several hours. Aconite would greatly modify or abort this case of pneumonia, if it accomplisht what we ordinarily expect, so that the late stage, as described by Dr. Chapman,

would not occur. However, we frequently find bryonia useful after the disease has become a localized inflammation, tho symptoms for its use were not described in Dr. C.'s article.

For the last described condition, phosand if it did not work quickly, sulphur phorus would be the remedy indicated, would be apt to aid its action; say a few doses of sulphur 200th potency as intercurrent remedy.

terial doses in their treatment ought to Those who are so scrupulous about mause the same diligence and demonstrate to us the exact size of the dose received by Dr. C.'s patient who sat in a draught that produced a severe attack of pneumonia. It is entirely unfair to require, in every case, material doses or definitly known quantities in the treatment of dis

causes.

ease, when it can be demonstrated that many diseases, especially of functional nature, have immaterial The truest that may be said here, is that disease may be caused and cured by immaterial forces. No doubt the writer to THE WORLD who was so exacting in material dosage had in mind the drug force measured by grains, ounces, etc. Such knowledge is quite in place and essential when we are treating for primary or physiological results of drugs. This knowledge is utterly helpless when we wish to obtain the secondary or true theraputical effect of drugs. This secondary action of drugs is hardly known beyond the homeopathic field, since it is best obtained by means of the small or potentized remedy.

I have seen the 30th potency of opium relieve obstinate constipation in 12 hours and regularly every day following, where previous to this time the nurse was compelled to give the patient high injections of hot sweet oil for relief. This was not Christian science, nor suggestion according to Hudson's Psychic Law. Neither I nor the patient, my wife, expected relief, at least so quickly and permanently as was afforded thru this unknown quantity of opium, while the the most laborious mechanical means was only able to palliate the condition. This was a secondary effect of the drug; the opposit effect being manifest when diarrheal evacuations are checkt by the administration of large and material doses of opium, or when constipation is produced after opium has been taken for any reason.

Contrary to favorable psychological

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-A few weeks ago I subscribed for your journal for the remainder of the year, just to give it a trial, and I am so pleased that I want it sent to me regularly after the first of the year, and I will remit at the proper time. I enjoy especially the discussion of homeopathy by members of your school. Also, get much that will be of real use to me from the articles written on other subjects. You are certainly to be commended in your effort to establish a more friendly feeling among the members of the different schools. Ithink what we need is to understand each other better.

Below is my treatment for Dr. Chapman's case, given in the August WORLD :For first group of symptoms, give aconite, 3x, every hour. Cover chest with soft muslin jacket, opening on the side, or, perhaps better would be jacket made by putting cotton batting between two layers of cheese cloth.

For second group of symptoms, or those found on the seventh day, give phosphorus, 2x, internally, every half hour for six doses, then every hour. Use stimulants if heart sounds become weak or muffled. Diet, light but nutritious.

I hope that there will be a free discussion of this case, which can only result in good to all the readers of your splendid journal. CHAS. E. SMOOT, M. D.

Richmond, Ky.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Phosphorus is the remedy for Dr. Chapman's case described on pages 343-4, August WORLD. This remedy is selected from the homeopathic indication of the characteristic expectoration. If any medication will

save that patient, phosphorus must be given. CHAS. E. WALTON, M.D. Cincinnati, O.

Dr. W. H. Pulford, of Delaware, O., says that tho a little earlier aconite may have indicated. He mentions the fact that the been called for, phosphorus is now clearly true homeopath is far removed from polypharmacy, as shown by the use only of the single drug indicated.

[QUERY.-What would our homeopathic friends do if this man had not the peculiar sputum "flying to pieces like batter?" Is this present in every case of pneumonia in this stage? Is this feature, when present, so important as to overshadow everything else?

Later: Several other articles are at hand from homeopaths advocating phosphorus, but both on account of lateness and the crowded condition of our columns, they could not be admitted.-ED.]

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-For Dr. Chapman's test case, give lycopodium 30th or higher. No other drug in any way for

those symptoms. Omaha, Neb.

H. P. HOLMES.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD :-If Dr. Chapman's case of pneumonia described in THE WORLD of August, gets lycopodium, the I have had several cases with those symp30x or higher, he will recover in fine style. toms and the remedy acted like magic. It does not matter how you give it, in the dilution or trituration, only get above the 30x.

I am well pleased with THE WORLD, and your idea of having communications from all schools. We have a Physicians' Protective Association here, and all the doctors of the place belong to it. We get along finely. It is a grand collector. The president and secretary are homeopaths, while the two vice-presidents are old school. There is no jangling or quarreling between the doctors here that used to prevail before the organization of the associ

ation. It has produced a friendly, sociable feeling among the doctors, and they will all stand by each other, which makes one feel safer and more secure in his practise. J. R. SIMSON, M.D.

Tonawanda, N. Y.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-In Dr. Chapman's case of pneumonia, as detailed in August WORLD, I can say I would pin my faith to lycopodium; and probably the 30x would be the attenuation used (the attenuation for which your old school men say there is not water or alcohol enuf on the earth to dilute an ounce). If the "regulars" will lay aside their blisters and hydg. chlor. mite. and potass. iod., etc., in such conditions as exist in Dr. Chapman's case, and give a little of that

he breathes there will be a fan-like motion to the wings of his nose. This will fill in the frame work of the picture.

ease.

inert" powder named above, they would have the satisfaction, in most instances, of seeing the patient snatcht from the "jaws, etc." I am of the " lar" school, and many years ago had a typhoid pneumonia case that I had given up to die. A homeopath was called in consultation (at request of family). In a quiet, unobstrusiv way he suggested phosphorus. In twenty-four hours the whole aspect was changed for the better, and my patient recovered. This and many other instances similar is what induced me to study the symptomatology of drugs and prescribe accordingly. I am not a "pathist" -simply a doctor. J. O. BATES, M.D. Muskegon, Mich.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-The remedy for the hypothetical case of Dr. E. Chapman is lycopodium. Such a serious condition as this needs a more minute examination. We would therefore make inquiry upon the following additional points: Is there any aggravation of the morbid symptoms night or day? If so, when? What is the condition of the mind and sensorium? How is the urin? What is the appearance of the tongue? Is there thirst? If so, its character? Are there any unusual or peculiar physical manifestations?

As described by Dr. Chapman, I shall expect to find this man irritable and feeling every way decidedly worse during the latter part of the afternoon and early evening. He will complain of little or no thirst. His mouth and tongue will be dry, urin scant and showing a red sandy sediment. If I examin his feet I shall find one hot and the other cold. When

[I felt like congratulating our homeopathic friends on their delightful uniformity ("regularity"), until these lycopodium communications came in.-ED.]

Replies from "Regulars."

The replies from the regular profession are not numerous as yet. Perhaps they have not gotten their armor in good shape yet. However, it is early for pneumonia articles, and we wish Dr. Chapman had proposed a test on some condition prevalent at the present season. However, the pneumonia season will soon be with us. This discussion will be a preparation for it. Following are the few "regular" replies that have arrived. Our eclectic friends have not been heard from yet. How about the hydropaths? Would the osteopaths undertake a case like this? Don't be "backward about coming forward."

Three cheers to THE MEDICAL WORLD for its broad and many views on the practis of medicin. Most of its readers already rejoice over its having an Editor who is not so bigoted as to think that any one school is so staunch and independent that it can ignore all possible help from whatever source. Because all true physicians are looking for help, from any and all sources. I have observed the fact that THE MEDICAL WORLD seems to be more universally read in all three schools than

most any medical journal. Probably due to the fact that it contains first class articles from all sources. I have often wisht for a journal of a universal type that would treat given cases by all three methods, so we all may compare treatments and results-something on the line of Dr. Chapman's request in August WORLD. I hope many will reply on the subject named. As for my reply, altho As for my reply, altho my alma mater is a staunch allopath, my line of treatment for that case would be phosphorus 2x, gtts. x in one-half glass of water. Give a teaspoonful every one and one-half or two hours. C. A. PALMER.

Farmingdale, N. J.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-In regard to the case of pneumonia that Dr. Chapman is afraid will die, it seems to me that the crisis should occur at any time, if the patient is not already in that stage.

I do not think that any special drug, homeopathic or other pathic, will do much good, except cardiac stimulants, strychnin and whiskey; with cold water sponging and alcohol baths, to reduce temperature, and incidentally to produce deeper respira. tion and better oxygenation by the reflex action.

The Doctor has stated a case in which a few hours time will decide the case favorably or otherwise; but I should not think the case absolutely hopeless because of the thready pulse and batter sputum. Crowd the stimulants, Doctor, sustain the heart, and earn the gratitude of the patient for having" cured" him of a self limited disease-if he gets better.

Hoboken, N. J.

E. T. STEADMAN, M D.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-Inclosed find $1.00 for WORLD. You say at the close of Dr. Chapman's article on page 344: "The above is a fair proposition." I think not. Is Doctor Chapman giving the condition of one of his patients? or a hypothetical one? If the latter, then how are we to know who will give the right treatment? If one of his own cases, unless he can assure us that he had a great number of cases like he describes, and cured them all, what value is his treatment in one isolated case? If he lets many of his cases get in the condition of this one, it is too much like throwing one into fits and then curing the fits.. I don't like to see my patients get in that condition. When they do I expect When they do I expect death to follow. I have helpt men to live

that were in a very bad condition. If the Doctor can only cite a few cases then one can say truthfully it was the man's hold on life and not medicin that cured him. It looks to me like the Doctor is betting on a sure thing. He gives one case in his own practise that is an exception-one that he has cured, or one that has recovered with great odds against him, and holds that up and says: "Look! can you beat it?'' when in all probability he can't do it again himself. Doubtless we will get benefit from the replies. J. R. SCOTT. Garnett, Kan.

[It is our understanding that this is a hypothetical case. Also, that the patient was without treatment up to the time mentioned. And that this was done in order that a strong, clearly defined clinical picture might be drawn.-ED.]

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I have been

reading the homeopathic discussion in your columns with considerable interest. In twenty-four years of practise I have learned that nature is wondrous kind, and very, very often we doctors take credit for cures and give credit to drugs to which we and they are not entitled. In the bulk of ailments the tendency is to recovery regardless of drugs, and herein lies the success of Christian science and faith cures; and also where "high potencies work short of the miraculous." All we can hope for from drugs is to aid nature. If the vitality is so low that nature is overcome, all the drugs in the world will be useless. How many cases we all have known in our experience that recovered in spite of the treatment. How many, many that would have recovered had not a dose of medicin been given; and in none are we more prone to take credit for cures and extolling certain drugs as almost specific, than in pneumonia. This brings us to Brother Chapman's test on pages 343 and 344, August WORLD. My treatment of pneumonia is considered a little antiquated and old fogy by many, in this day of new things; but the pneumonia patients almost all recovering under it whether by, or in spite of the treatment, I have never felt like discarding the bridge that uniformly carried my patient over, or seemed to. This is what I would have done for the

case:

A good old fashioned flaxseed and mustard poultice of ample dimensions with mustard enuf to keep surface intensely

reddened, changed often and kept on moist and hot; control the pleuritic pain by hypodermics of morphin and atropin; the cough, with an expectorant, the base of which is syr. scillae comp. ; the temperature with acetanilid (in connection with strychnin or alcohol if necessary). No one can have a better record on pneumonia than myself for the twenty-four years, unless there is some brother who never lost a case in that time. In lung inflammations of children I would rather risk a jacket poultice of flaxseed and mustard continuously applied hot and moist alone, than all the drugs in the universe without it.

Wisner, Neb.

D. BOSWELL, M.D.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-I submit treatment for Dr. S. E. Chapman's case of pneumonia: First, hypodermic with gr. phos. codein and 1 gr. atropin. Follow in fifteen minutes with intravenous transfusion of one pint normal salt solution. After reaction from transfusion, rub 45 grs., ungt. Crede into the skin of the abdomen. Repeat transfusion every six to twelve hours as indicated, and ungt. Crede every twenty-four hours. Use codein and atropin only as needed to relieve pain and nervousness. Give gr. strychnin nitrate every eight hours, with

the best nourishment you can get at the home of the patient.

The treatment offered is so plain, the results expected from each agent so self evident, I think an explanation unnecessary. The treatment as outlined has enabled me to change an unfavorable prognosis to a useful citizen in several instances. Bellevue Tex. JNO. W. HYATT.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD:-For Dr. Chapman's pneumonia patient I would prescribe creasote carbonate, grs. 7 to 15; hours; with food and perhaps whisky. I strychnin sulfate, gr. to every three would expect recovery if the "robust" patient had a fair amount of vitality left. I would say, however, that had he begun taking the creasote in the first forty-eight hours, the chances are at least nine to one that he would now be practically well. This is shown by my experience for more than seven years, and that of many others. A compilation of some of these I publisht in the New York Medical Record, March 30, 1901. I. L. VAN ZANDT, M.D.

Fort Worth, Texas.

Editor MEDICAL WORLD: For Dr.

Chapman's case: In the first place, the case is fraught with great danger; the prognosis unfavorable: However, I will briefly give him the only treatment that will save the patient, if anything in our line of practise will. The first indication is to be met by depletion. Drug medication is entirely too slow in his case. letting is the chief anchor. Bleed freely and copiously until he can lie down in a horizontal position. Bleed till pulse is normal and respiration twenty per minute. Then give the following

Blood

gr. ij. gr. xx.

If

Also give quinin sul., five grains every three hours, and five grain doses of Dover's powder every four hours. Give whisky and arom. spts. of ammonia as general stimulus; nux vomica and digitalis as cardiac stimulus; blister over the pain; move the bowels with sul. magnesia. bilious, give calomel, gr. 5 every four hours till operation, then move off with castor oil and turpentine. Bathe the feet in warm water, or give a full bath, temp. 100° F. Mustard poultices may be applied over the pain, if any, at various times.