Argentum Metallicum

Argentum ?netallicum produces spasms which simulate those of epilepsy. The attacks are followed by delirious rage. The patient jumps about and tries to strike those near him.

It produces spasmodic pain in various parts of the body; thus it gives rise to pain in the head, which gradually increases and, after reaching its acme, suddenly ceases. This pain is usually on the left side and is often associated with vertigo. The patient is extremely forgetful. The heart muscle sympathizes in these neuralgic pains. Thus, there will be spasmodic twitching of the heart muscle, particu- larly when the patient is lying on his back.

Now, the debility which naturally follows is very easily understood if you remember one quality of the Argentum metallicum, and that is its action upon joints. It has a particular affinity for the cartilages of joints. Thus, we find general debility, with bruised feeling in the small of the back from the weakness of the spine, general weariness forcing the patient to lie down to obtain rest. The knees are particu- larly weak.

There will be, not a true articular rheumatism, but an arthralgia, with pains of the same character as those of the head. All these symptoms are common enough. We find them in nervous, hysterical women and in men after loss of fluids, particularly semen.

Argentum metallicum acts upon the mucous membrane of the throat and larynx. It produces in the larynx a copious exudation of pure mucus, not purulent or not serous, but looking exactly like boiled starch. It is associated with burning and rawness in the larynx, which rawness and burning are excited by talking and protracted use of the voice. The mucus is easily expectorated.

Aigentum metallicum acts upon the left ovary, causing bruised pain in that organ and, sometimes, a feeling as though the ovary was growing large. {Argentum nitricum, the right ovary. ) This is a purely subjective sensation. Associated with this bruised pain there is often a prolapsed uterus.

LECTURE LIX.

PLATINA, PALLADIUM, AND ALUMINA.