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Twenty years ago
British HomceopathicJournal April 1990, Vol. 79, pp. 123
Twenty years ago T h e British H o m o e o p a t h i c Journal, A p r i l 1970
NOEL J. PRATT, MRCS, LRCP, FFHOM
Before reviewing the three major articles in this issue it is convenient to mention five shorter ones concerning five remedies. 'Experiences with Hypericum' by Dr Pineros of Colombia is a useful summary of indications. But he does not mention the value of Hypericum for injuries to the fingers and toes, where there are so many nerve endings, when Arnica has healed the bruises but the nerve pains persist. 'Notes on Helleborus niger' by Dr Foubister emphasizes that this is helpful after concussion if other drugs such as Arnica, Cicuta, Natrum, tour. and Natrum sulph, are disappointing. He quotes the case of a man who developed schizophrenia several years after concussion, was unfit for work because of severe impairment of memory and poor concentration, in spite of conventional treatment including ECT. Dr Foubister prescribed Helleborus 1M and then 10M, and eight months later the patient was able to resume his work in a highly responsible job. Cineraria in the treatment of cataract, for prevention and for control, is frequently used in India, and Dr Krishnamurty of Hyderabad described his treatment of 116 patients, in considerable detail, and claimed 60% improvement. The medicine was applied as eyedrops, but unfortunately there is no mention of the potency used. Cactus grandiflorus and Lilium are the two drugs discussed by Dr Gibson. Patients with
severe angina pectoris may be 'pale, pulseless, panting, and prostrate' with the pain; then Cactus is strongly indicated, but it needs to be compared with Carbo reg. (sometimes called the corpse reviver) for similar pains and reactions due to different causes. Lilium tigrinum is specially valuable for some cases of disease of the female pelvic organs, when the patient feels hurried and has some fears. Reports of the International Congress at Athens in September 1969 occupy 12 pages, written by Dr Fergus Stewart and Dr D. F. Smallbone. There were 20 papers on research and 41 on other aspects of hom0eopathy, but apparently none by doctors from the U K - surprising and regrettable. Instead of the usual Editorial, Dr Twentyman included an article entitled 'Cancer and the Twentieth Century', in which he discussed the changing pattern of disease in this century, and different personality types, and three archetypal diseases in relation to three phases of civilization and culture. There is evidence of much careful thought in this article. Geriatrics is the main subject of the Presidential Address to the Scottish Branch of the Faculty by Dr Isabel Campbell in November 1969. She mentioned 17 drugs which are of special value for old folk, and quoted nine cases from her own wide experience. This is well worth reading in full by all physicians treating elderly patients.
Addressfor correspondence Dr NoelJ. Pratt 8 BluebellCrescent Norwich Norfolk NR47LE 123
Twenty years ago T h e British H o m o e o p a t h i c Journal, A p r i l 1970
NOEL J. PRATT, MRCS, LRCP, FFHOM
Before reviewing the three major articles in this issue it is convenient to mention five shorter ones concerning five remedies. 'Experiences with Hypericum' by Dr Pineros of Colombia is a useful summary of indications. But he does not mention the value of Hypericum for injuries to the fingers and toes, where there are so many nerve endings, when Arnica has healed the bruises but the nerve pains persist. 'Notes on Helleborus niger' by Dr Foubister emphasizes that this is helpful after concussion if other drugs such as Arnica, Cicuta, Natrum, tour. and Natrum sulph, are disappointing. He quotes the case of a man who developed schizophrenia several years after concussion, was unfit for work because of severe impairment of memory and poor concentration, in spite of conventional treatment including ECT. Dr Foubister prescribed Helleborus 1M and then 10M, and eight months later the patient was able to resume his work in a highly responsible job. Cineraria in the treatment of cataract, for prevention and for control, is frequently used in India, and Dr Krishnamurty of Hyderabad described his treatment of 116 patients, in considerable detail, and claimed 60% improvement. The medicine was applied as eyedrops, but unfortunately there is no mention of the potency used. Cactus grandiflorus and Lilium are the two drugs discussed by Dr Gibson. Patients with
severe angina pectoris may be 'pale, pulseless, panting, and prostrate' with the pain; then Cactus is strongly indicated, but it needs to be compared with Carbo reg. (sometimes called the corpse reviver) for similar pains and reactions due to different causes. Lilium tigrinum is specially valuable for some cases of disease of the female pelvic organs, when the patient feels hurried and has some fears. Reports of the International Congress at Athens in September 1969 occupy 12 pages, written by Dr Fergus Stewart and Dr D. F. Smallbone. There were 20 papers on research and 41 on other aspects of hom0eopathy, but apparently none by doctors from the U K - surprising and regrettable. Instead of the usual Editorial, Dr Twentyman included an article entitled 'Cancer and the Twentieth Century', in which he discussed the changing pattern of disease in this century, and different personality types, and three archetypal diseases in relation to three phases of civilization and culture. There is evidence of much careful thought in this article. Geriatrics is the main subject of the Presidential Address to the Scottish Branch of the Faculty by Dr Isabel Campbell in November 1969. She mentioned 17 drugs which are of special value for old folk, and quoted nine cases from her own wide experience. This is well worth reading in full by all physicians treating elderly patients.
Addressfor correspondence Dr NoelJ. Pratt 8 BluebellCrescent Norwich Norfolk NR47LE 123