Mercurius Methylenus

Mercuric methide Hg (CH3) 2.

Authorities. 1 , Dr. Geo. N. Edwards, St. Bartholomew's Hosp. Resp., 1865, p. 141, a man (who sometimes had epileptic fits) was engaged in the preparation of Mercuric methide; 2 , same, T. S., employed in same business.

Moves his arms about apparently without objects, and in an idiotic manner; at times in even violent, shrieking out, making loud incoherent noises, or laughing or crying in an idiotic manner; occasionally makes efforts to get out of bed, [2] .

Giddiness, [2] .

Eye.

A dark margin around his eyes, [2] .

Some inflammation of both conjunctivae, with a muco-purulent discharge, [2] . Pupil.

Impairment of sight, [1] . Slight slightly impaired, [2] . [10.] Dimness of vision, pain and redness of the eyes, [2] .

Ear.

Deafness; it is with difficulty that he understands what is said, [1] .

Lost his hearing, [2] .

Power of smell much impaired, [2] .

Teeth and lips dry, covered with sordes, [1] . Gums.

Gums rather spongy, and of whitish color; lips dry, [2] . Gums spongy and swollen, [2] . [20.]

Gums became sore, [1] . Tongue.

Soreness of gums and looseness of teeth, [2] .

Tongue coated and moist, [1] .

Tongue coated with a yellowish fur, [1] .

Tongue moist, coated on the dorsum with a white fur, red at tip and edges, [2] .

Tongue numb, [2] . Saliva.

He was observed to spit and wipe his mouth very often, [2] .

Nasty taste in his mouth, like brass, [2] .

Taste became imperfect, all things tasting alike, [2] . Speech.

Powers of speech much impaired, [2] . [30.]

Makes constant efforts to speak, but only utters incoherent noises, [2] .

Swallows with difficulty, [2] .

Refuses to take nourishment, and struggles and becomes furious upon any attempt being made to force him to drink, [1] .

Nausea and vomiting, the vomited matters being greenish and watery, [2] .

Some pain in the right hypochondrium on pressure, [2] .

Bowels generally confined, [2] . Bowels not opened for five days, [2] .

Urine passed involuntarily, [2] . [40.]

Urine pale, slightly turbid, acid, sp. gr. 1018, containing a considerable quantity of albumen, and showing renal epithelium and granules under the microscope; afterwards passed in bed and very offensive, [1] .

Respiratory Organs.

Breathing sometimes seems to cease altogether for a few seconds, and then to become quick and stertorous, [1] .

Extremities In General. Violent movements of his limbs, much increased on tickling his feet, [2] .

The left wrist is rather rigid, and the left knee almost completely so; he never bends it voluntarily, but it can be slightly ben by using considerable force; later there is no sensation of or motion in the left leg, which is extended, rigid at the knee, and the foot turned slightly inward; sensation is also somewhat impaired in the left hand, [1] . He can move his limbs perfectly, but slowly; can grasp only very imperfectly, and takes some time to close his hands; he dragged his legs after him in walking; lost the power of bringing his hands directly to the point that he wishes, [2] .

General Symptoms. [50.]

Sensation less than natural, though he is aware when his hands and feet are touched; the latter feel warm to himself although they appear cold to others, [2] .

The skin over the sacrum is red, [2] .

Restless nights, [1] . Sometimes sleeps well, but is often restless at night, [2] .

Cold hands, [1] . Skin generally warm and dry, that of hands and feet cold, [2] .