is very similar to this affection of the hip-joint. Here too we observe
the same insidious inflammatory beginning, the same irresistible
tendency to ichorous suppuration and disorganization of the constituent
parts of the joint, the same tendency to destroy the organism by gradual
exhausting fever. We have unmistakeable proofs of the presence of a
poisonous process pervading the whole organism. He who has had frequent
opportunities of observing this disease, knows perfectly in what
mysterious obscurity it is still enveloped, and how specifically
different this affection of the knee sometimes appears to us from the
hip disease. The hom[oe]opathic law teaches us more positively than any
thing else could do, that every case of disease should be viewed as
something specifically distinct from other cases, and should be treated
with medicines that are specifically adapted to it. An experience of
many years has taught me that iodine is the best remedy to meet the
symptoms which generally characterize white swelling of the knee. Even
at the present day Iodine is one of those remedies that require a good
deal of elucidation. Hence we should not, carried away by analogy,
conclude from those things which are not clear, concerning other things
which are no more so. Nevertheless the observations which have been made
so far, have led to some highly important, more or less positive
conclusions, and have shown us with a certain degree of satisfaction and
certainty, that iodine is an inestimable gift of God, by means of which
we are enabled to free mankind from one of the most frightful
complications, the psoric, sycosic and mercurial miasms. I have been
induced by various signs to believe that, in white swelling of the knee
such a complication exists.
Considering the paucity of our observations bearing upon this important
point, it seems impracticable to make any positive statements with
reference to the assistance that we might possibly derive from the use
of Apis in this disease. My own opportunities for observation having
been very few, I recommend the use of Apis in white swelling of the
knee, to my professional brethren. The following symptoms in "Hering's
American Provings," seem to indicate it; No.'s 828, 829 and 931,
"violent pain in the left knee, externally, above and below the knee,
particularly above, somewhat in front; painful [oe]dematous swelling of
the knee; burning stinging about the knee." In white swelling of the
knee, where no all[oe]opathic treatment has yet been pursued, I
recommend Iodine 30, one globule, in six dessert-spoonfuls of water, a
dessert-spoonful morning and evening, until the whole is finished; after
this wait three days, and then give Apis 3, as before mentioned, a
tablespoonful every hour or three hours, or a drop morning and evening,
according as the pain or danger is more or less pressing. Apis is more
especially useful in removing pain, in changing the secretion of ichor
to that of healthy pus, and in arresting the consumptive fever. After
these results have been accomplished, we permit the previously given
Iodine to achieve the cure. If Iodine had been abused under
all[oe]opathic treatment, before the hom[oe]opathic treatment commenced,
we give Iodine 5000, one globule, in order to subdue the Iodine
diathesis, and thus remove the most powerful obstacle to a cure. Any one
who knows more about this point, will please mention it.
Although Apis acts well in white swelling of the knee, which is
comparatively a rare disease, yet it is far more useful in