50 FLORA HOMCEOPATHICA. 



Its effects on man are of the greatest interest to the homoeo- 



pathist. 



■ 



Pereira (op, cit.) has divided these effects into three degrees- 

 First degree : in very small and repeated doses, it usually 

 promotes the appetite, assists the digestive process, increases 

 the secretion of urine, and renders the excretion of this 

 fluid more frequent. In some cases it acts slightly on the 

 bowels, and occasionally produces a sudorific effect. The pulse 

 is usually unaffected. In somewhat larger doses, the stomach 

 not unfrequently becomes disordered and the appetite im- 

 paired. 



Second degree : in larger doses, the effects of Nux Vomica 

 manifest themselves by a disordered state of the muscular 

 system. A feeling of weight and weakness in the limbs, 

 and increased sensibility to external impressions (of light, 

 sound, touch, and variations of temperature), with depres- 

 sion of spirits and anxiety, are usually the precursory symp- 

 toms. The limbs tremble, and a slight rigidity or stiffness is 

 experienced when an attempt is made to put the muscles in 

 action. The patient experiences a difficulty in keeping the 

 erect posture, and in walking frequently staggers. If, when 

 this effect is beginning to be observed, he be tapped suddenly 

 on the ham while standing, a slight convulsive paroxysm is 

 frequently brought on, so that he will have some difficulty to 

 prevent himself from falling. " I have often, 55 says the author, 



<c 



Nux 



on the muscular system before the patient had experienced any 

 particular symptoms. If the use of the medicine is still per- 

 severed in, these effects increase in intensity, and the voluntary 

 muscles are thrown into a convulsed state by very slight causes. 

 Thus, when the patient inspires more deeply than usual, or 

 attempts to walk, or even to turn in bed, a convulsive paroxysm 



The 



Mt 



Jlandbvch filr Horn. Arzneunittel., art. Nux Vomica. 



