IGNATIA AMARA. 5 



an aggravation takes place, the same as with all palliatives. In 

 this case, we may, without recurring to any intermediate 

 medicine, immediately give a second dose of the same dilution, 

 without which the cure cannot be attained ; and we must 

 positively trust entirely to the contrasting effects of this medi- 

 cine. However, this seldom happens ; for in a disorder that 

 comes on rapidly, the first dose usually produces all the effect 

 of which Ignatia is capable, when correctly chosen. When, in 

 a very excitable person, or from too powerful a dose, excessive 

 sensibility or anxiety occurs, the antidote is coffee ; but if the 

 Ignatia has been injudiciously given, and its symptoms do not 



resemble those of the disease, the effects mety be allayed, 

 according to their nature, with Pulsatilla or Chamomilla, or, in 

 rarer instances, with Cocculus, Arnica, Camphor, or Vinegar. 



" Whatever analogy may be perceived between the positive 

 effects of Ignatia and Nux Vomica, there is also a great difference, 

 since the state of mind to which one is adapted would be 

 very unsuitable to the other. Ignatia should not be given on 

 occasions of passion, eagerness, or violence ; but in those in 

 which are displayed sudden changes from high to low spirits, 

 or other conditions denoting Ignatia, supposing that the accom- 

 panying symptoms are such as it would produce. 



u Even in a high state of development, Ignatia is an excellent 

 remedy in the case of persons deeply offended, who have no 

 disposition to violent anger or revenge, but who brood over 

 their vexation and distress, and are continually tormented with 

 the annoying recollection of the offence or injury they have 

 received ; consequently, it is applicable to all morbid states ot 



mind resulting from these causes. 



"Thus epileptic fits, even when chronic, which are ex- 

 cited by disappointment or displeasure, and never appear 

 under other circumstances, may often be prevented by a timely 

 dose of Ignatia. Epilepsy, brought on in young people by 

 terror, may also, if not often repeated, be cured by tins medi- 

 cine. But it is highly improbable that chronic epilepsy should 



