A case of hay fever.

By W. S. Gee, M. D.
Presented by Sylvain Cazalet

A monograph on this subject appeared some years ago giving in a word Ars. iod. as the only
remedy of special value, or, in fact, of any value, in this disease. Articles have lately appeared by
two writers, both named MacKenzie. The result of these was nil as regards the management of
the trouble. The Ars. iod. has not proven to be of value in but one case, so far as my experience
goes. Ambrosia artemis. was given special mention a few years ago. This does seem to be of
service in the asthmatic form when indicated. The value of a remedy in this, as in all other
diseases, depends upon the similarity of the symptoms to those given by the patient. This patient,
a lady aged 26, married, mother of two children, is slim and delicate ; weight about 85 pounds ;
has had this distressing disease for ten years in succession ; always had it very severely. Her life
is made miserable by it.
Sept. 4th, 1884 : She gave these symptoms as recorded then. The attack begins every year on
August 15th to the very day. It comes with a nervous feeling, as though she would go wild,
compelling her to walk about. Begins with sneezing in the early morning- "Sneezes twenty
times," and seems as if it would tear her chest in pieces. Feels as though firecrackers exploded in
right half of chest every time she sneezed. The eyes smart and burn ; must rub them. After the
paroxysms there is a small lump of cheesy, pus-like substance in the inner canthus of both eyes.
Eyes feel blurred, objects are seen indistinctly, eyes feel weak. Eyes feel hot when first going
into the open air but are better later. Water runs from the nose after sneezing ; water is hot and
burning, makes the nose sore. Then the throat begins burning and smarting, is dry, feels closed,
so that she can't speak. There appear in the back of throat little white granular spots. Constant
effort to clear the throat. The chest symptoms follow.
There is a sore spot in right chest under the clavicle, about two inches in diameter, sore,
burning, sensitive to touch, a feeling as though it had been burned. The cough is dry, worse from
a draught of air ; dreads the cold air, afraid of cold, yet feels relieved after she has been cut a
short time. Pain in the sore spot from coughing. No expectoration. Headache, all the time,
usually relieved after vomiting, but now vomits only water, and the headache continues ; begins
in the top of the head, extends to the left temple, is hot and throbbing ; < from any exertion ;
moving makes it very sore ; hot applications give temporary relief. Appetite variable, fruit tastes
best ; thirsty, drinks much but not often ; water does not quench her thirst, prefers beer. Has
backache, with nausea at stomach, better when lying down. Leucorrha slight. During last flow
(second day) felt as though everything would come out, as if bones of pelvis spread apart ; flow
too profuse and lasts too long. Aching in thighs from front to back ; seems "deep in the bones."
Sleep night and unrefreshing. Dreams of the affairs of the day. Palpitation on going up and down
stairs or from exertion. Marked prostration. Perspires freely. Saliva runs from the mouth when
asleep. Feels generally < in the evening. Feels irritable and little things offend., -Calc carb. M.
M.
Sept. 10 : Took a powder the eve of the 4th and on the eve of the 5th, but felt so much better
next day that she took the disks. (S. L.) alone. The first change noticed was that the "spells" were
lighter in degree and length. Eyes have not troubled so much. Has not been nervous, felt quiet.

Not so troubled and sensitive to cold. Still has a choked feeling and the nose discharges before
she sneezes. The former attacks began by "sneezing 20 times." There is less smarting and
burning. Eyes feel stronger. Breathing better, does not have the tight feeling. The sensitive spot
is comfortable except when sneezing. Throat more comfortable. Fewer little spots in the throat.
Less of the closing feeling, "nearly gone". Feels much stronger. Has no need to hack or clear the
throat. The spot is sore and slightly tender, but the burning is all gone. Coughs rarely. No dread
of fresh, cold air. Went to a party Saturday (6th) and expected to be troubled greatly, but was
entirely free from it. Headache absent since Friday (5th). Back "a great deal better." Has not
noticed the salivation at night. S. L.
I have met the patient frequently since, and she said she had not a symptom of the trouble
afterward. She has gained in weight remarkably first since, and feels better than she has before in
her life.
Symptoms prominent : Takes cold very easily ; the wind seemed to blow "right through her."
Great weariness. Symptom 987 reads "Sore pain in right mamma on the slightest touch." 990 :
"During the cough pain in the chest as if raw, evenings and nights." "Irritable without cause ;
peevishness and obstinacy." 340 : "Sore ulcerated nostril, preceded by frequent sneezing" 348 :
"Severe coryza, with headache and oppression of the chest." Headache relieved by vomiting
mucus and bile. C. H. C. 554 : Great Thirst for beer.

Source : The Homopathic Physician, 1884.

Constitutional symptoms.
By W. S. Gee, M. D.
Presented by Sylvain Cazalet
Adjutant Professor of Materia Medica & Clinical Medicine, Hahnemann College.

Every healthy individual has certain distinguishing peculiarities which give him an
individuality. While in general contour he is similar to other members of his race, he has in
addition some exceptional points or traits which show an unmistakable difference between him
and his fellowmen. These peculiarities in health, he retains when he is sick. In whatever sickness
he may be, a few of his peculiarities will be present. These we may call constitutional symptoms.
These symptoms serve us to more readily detect disease in the variation from the healthy
standard of that individual.
When Hahnemann declared to the world the result of his
most profound study of disease and especially of chronic
disease, we learned that in the constitution of most individuals
existed one or more underlying influences which he termed
"miasms." These miasms existed in some degree without
causing decided interference with health except when aided by
exceptional conditions such as the presence of acute disease,
change of life, etc. This is true today, that is to say, the
constitutional miasm may be latent or active. It remains latent
when no symptoms are present which mark a deviation from
health. This is seen in growing children and even in adults so
long as the vital presence of acute disease, known by making
simple diseases unusually severe and prolonged ; or, as at the
decline of life when the vitality of the individual diminishes,
we have tumors, malignant growths, etc. It is also seen in the
increasing severity of recurrent attacks of disease. After
S. Hahnemann
Hahnemann had recognized the facts, his next work was to
make available remedies which would cure these difficulties. As a result of his work we have the
deep and long acting antipsorics.
We are directed to give that remedy preference which best corresponds to the present
symptoms. This is a 'safe rule', but there are many cases which do not present plain indications
and the remedy is not apparent. For these cases we deduce this rule :
When the present symptoms do not, with a reasonable degree of certainty, indicate a remedy,
search for preexisting constitutional symptoms.

Carroll Dunham wrote, in illustration, that two lines each an

inch long might appear parallel, but the fact was not so
apparent as when the lines were extended. So in the selection
of the remedy the "extended lines" into the history of the
patient often decides the choice of the simillimum.
He has given us a few instance of the value of drawing long
lines and prescribing for pre-existing symptoms.
On pages 462 to 464 of "Science of Therapeutics" we may
find a careful record of a case, of Nervous Deafness" of 13
years standing cured with Mezereum given because it covered
the totality of the symptoms when the patient had milkcrust the suppression of which was immediately followed by the
deafness. The most careful examination of the case revealed no
present symptoms except a Membrane tympani white, opaque,
Dr Carroll Dunham
and evidently thickened." On page 56, of Part II, "Lectures of
Materia Medica" by the same author, is a record of a case of headache in winter cured by Aloes,
given because the attacks of summer diarrha indicated that remedy.
A case of epilepsy was given Platina because of previous strong passion and peculiar
disposition, imperious and high stepping.
A case of uterine disease was cured with Agaricus given because of aching in the heels and
marked family tendency to spinal meningitis.
These cases illustrate the value of drawing long lines when present symptoms do not make the
remedy apparent.
CASE I :
Mr. G. C. H---., t. 50, applied for the cure of nasal catarrh. He presented no marked
symptoms upon which to select a remedy and a careful history revealed the fact that he had taken
a cold bath 36 years ago, and his trouble dates from that time. The cause of the disease
suggesting Rhus tox. Cm. and later one dose of 30, a farther study confirmed the selection and he
received the remedy with decided relief within three days. He took cold twice during the time of
treatment and needed more of the remedy. For later symptoms of an acute character he received
Sticta pulm. 4x, and is today tree from the disease. This he has not been able to say in 36 years.
He received his first prescription in August last.
CASE II :
Mr. Me---., t. 25, consulted me for an attack of diarrha. He had received treatment from
several physicians without benefit. His present symptoms were not sufficient to make clear the
remedy, but his history aided with these facts did : Four years ago he lifted paper in a printing
office and vomited blood afterwards. Since that time he has been troubled with a weak, "all-

gone" feeling in the region of the stomach, especially about 11 A. M., relieved by eating. He has
had recurrent attacks of diarrha which came on after midnight with urging. Stools loose and
yellow, with burning in anus after stool. He received Sulphur 1m. and was cured in a few days.
CASE III :
Mr. B---., t. 25, complained of a pain in his knee. No distinguishing features being present
an appeal was made to the "anamnesis" or previous history. He had suffered one whole year from
rheumatism some years before and was unable to leave the house. The features of the attack
pointed to Rhus tox. and that remedy in the 1m potency, cured his knee.
CASE IV :
Miss L---., complains of sore throat with no deciding symptoms. Her history reads : Has had
an attack of "quinsy" every year, for several years. The disease always began on the left side.
The throat was sensitive to touch on the outside, with sensation as of a lamp internally, which
went down on swallowing but immediately returned. She received Lach. cm, one dose. The
attack disappeared without suppuration and she has again past the season without the yearly
return of the trouble.
CASE V :
Mrs. A---., t. 36, applied for relief from nasal catarrh. There being no decided symptoms for
a remedy, her history was carefully recorded. She has been sick since 15 years old. Had recurrent
headaches. Headache, relieved by the flow. Had cramps before the flow and is relieved when the
flow begins. Troubles left-sided. Catarrh in left half of the nose, sore throat on left side, must
have clothing loose on left side of body. Constipation with inability to have a movement,
because the anus seems to be closed and she has not power to expel the stool. She received Lach.
cm, one dose. She reported last Saturday, Nov. 6, by request, not having reported since receiving
the medicine on Sept. 9. The relief was almost immediate.
CASE VI :
---. is a man aged 63. He was a sorry spectacle when he presented on Sept. 9. His present
symptoms pointed more toward Lycopodium. but he had received that remedy without benefit.
The history dated the trouble to have originated 24 years ago in exposure to dampness. Rhus tox
1m, one dose was given to him, as present symptoms confirmed the selection and he is slowly
improving. He is now in Dr. Hawke's clinic.
CASE VII :
Marion H---., a little girl of five years, was taken seriously ill with remittent fever. The
temperature ranged from 103 to 104 and above for several days. The best selected remedies did
not seem to act. The history was more carefully examined. When a baby she perspired very much
about her head. Was troubled with cold damp feet. Stomach and bowels were easily disturbed.

She was slow getting her teeth and in learning to walk. With this help Calcarea ost. 1m. was
selected and a great change was soon apparent and recovery was rapid.
CASE VII :
Willie E. ---., t. 7 years, was taken sick Oct. 14. When first seen he complained of pain in
back of head and neck. He had but slight fever for several days but there was a decided increase
until the temperature was about 103 in the morning, and 104 to 104.5 in the evening. The
variations were but slight for several days. He was quiet, uncomplaining, and when asked how he
felt replied, "Very well, thank you." When closely questioned, he spoke of an aching pain in the
back of his head, which was much worse with the increase of the fever and diminished with it
toward morning. Several remedies had been given but our little patient was fast gliding away
with but little evidence of sickness, except the fever.
Some loose offensive movements of the bowels occasionally broke the monotony and,
although quite offensive, gave no sufficient clue to the remedy. A very careful history elicited
these facts : Before the pregnancy which resulted in birth of this boy, the mother lost two
children. During the term of pregnancy she was in deep suppressed grief, because of this loss and
kept away from friends, did not visit, but led a lonely sad life during the whole term. When
Willie grew to some size she noticed that he did not play as did other boys. He was imposed
upon without resistance on his part and if wronged said nothing, but later gave vent to his
suppressed grief in tears when alone. If for any trivial offense she reprimanded him, he said
nothing, but perhaps some time later she found him alone and crying. Even during this illness he
preferred being alone all day. If for any reason she left his room, on her return frequently found
him crying. Whether atavism is mythical or not this history led to Ignatia, and within 12 hours
after taking it a decided change for the better was made. His recovery has progressed without
further medication. If these illustrations will help any one at a time when there is " a painful
absence of symptoms" our desire will be realized.

Source : Medical Advance, 1886.