Direct Remedies.

Corydalis.—This remedy was very highly esteemed by the early physicians of our school. They prescribed it for its distinctive alterative influence, employing it in all cases where there was a suspicion of disorder of the blood.

They claimed to be able to cure syphilis with this remedy alone at times although this opinion was never general. It is certainly a valuable addition to alterative compounds. It is a remedy for depraved states of the blood where there is a general feebleness.

When in these conditions there is a tendency to diarrhea or dysentery with foul breath and foul secretion, it is a good remedy. It is very serviceable in diseases of women which are dependent upon blood disorders.

Calendula.—Calendula has been employed for many years by the homeopathists. It is of service diluted, in the external application for the treatment of wounds or where there is broken skin, such as excoriations, or in the chafing in infants; also where there are ulcers of an indolent character, or cold abscesses, or general catarrh of a chronic character.

It may be applied also where there are varicose veins or echymoses, or in petechia.

It is directly serviceable in capillary engorgement where the capillaries are weak and where there is a tendency to venous engorgement with dilatations. It is thought to prevent suppuration and to promote health in all cases where there is a tendency to abscess formation.

Viburnum Prunifolium.—This remedy is an active regulator of the menstrual function. I consider it our most reliable remedy in preventing abortion or miscarriage, whatever the cause of that condition. I have yet to see it fail when given in sufficient doses.

It is a waste of time to give it in three, four or five drop doses in cases that are immediately threatening. In those where there is pain or hemorrhage, a teaspoonful should be given every hour. I have never observed any harm to come from large doses and should not hesitate to give it every half hour if I thought it would be beneficial.

In habitual miscarriage, the remedy should be given for some time previous to the time in which the symptoms usually appear, and should be continued during the time for the period. At the same time the patient should be put to bed and kept very quiet and only light food given.

The remedy is also advised where, during severe fever, the menses suddenly appear. In these cases a mild antiseptic vaginal douche may be used at the same time. In the early stage of pregnancy, with vomiting and nausea or other stomach symptoms or where there are uterine pains, this remedy will assist in controlling the entire condition.

Combined with other uterine tonics, it is an excellent remedy in preparing a patient for parturition, as it controls erratic pains and induces normal uterine action.

Ellingwood's Therapeutist, Vol. 2, 1908, was edited by Finley Ellingwood M.D.