Colchicum is a remedy often called for in cold damp weather or locations, especially in spring or autumn. It acts on the fibrous tissues, on the periosteum and synovial membranes of joints, especially the small joints ; it does not tend to suppuration. It acts over that part of the nervous system governing the functions of voluntary motion. It is useful in gouty or rheumatic conditions, especially if associated with gastric disturbances ; it has its indications for epidemic gastric rheumatism. In acute or chronic rheumatism, with or without fever, after getting thoroughly wet it may be indicated ; in rheumatic iritis ; in the metastasis of rheumatic or gouty conditions to the heart. If gouty conditions are suppressed it hastens relapse of the rheumatic picture. Spigelia antidotes Colchicum where the heart is involved. Colchicum follows Lyc. well. Compare Bry. in gouty conditions ; Colchicum’s symptoms express less energy than Bryonia's, but they are more serious.