CONIUM MACULATUM. 229 
large and oft-repeated doses. A relaxation of all the fibres may 
be observed, accompanied by asthenic inflammation, and painful 
sensitiveness. It seems that the contrary takes place during the 
primitive effect of Conium, which appears to be a stiffening, 
setting, and constriction of the fibres, with swelling of the 
glands, and dullness of the senses, as shown by some cases of 
glandular enlargement in the neck and lips, occasioned by con- 
tusions, and by cataract caused by a blow, which were treated 
and cured homeopathically. These primary effects, joined to 
some others, intimate a powerful remedy for that distressing 
kind of hypochondriasis sometimes seen in men of a retired and 
strict life, unless it depends upon some primitive miasmatic 
affection. 
Experience teaches us what we ought really to think of the 
action of Conium in the case (presbytie) of persons advanced in 
life, and it may possibly be proved that it has the property of 
destroying this affection (Hahnemann, Mat. Med. Pur.) 
Crintcat OpservAtions.—Noack and Trinks(1.c.): The chief 
tendency of Conium is the liquefaction and dissolving of animal 
matter, as well normal as abnormal. It is more suitable for 
the female constitution than the male; to venous, lymphatic, 
scrofulous, torpid constitutions; to phlegmatic-melancholic 
temperaments; and also for individuals with rigid light fibres, 
with an easily excited nervous system. In hypochondriacal and 
hysterical women, especially to pregnant women. In scrofu- 
losis, tuberculosis, carcinomatous habits, and paralysis, Co- 
nium is especially serviceable. Falling off of the hair. Hum- 
ming and singing in the ears. Weakness of old men (Lobethal 
considers Conium a panacea of old men). Weak conditions, 
accompanied by excessive irritability of the body (Hahnemann). 
Old contusions, strains, and contusions of membranous and 
tendinous formations, consequent on pinching, pressure, shocks, 
falls, and other external injuries, in consequence of which the 
cellular tissue had become compressed, and the glands indurated ; 
a sensation of numbness accompanying these symptoms. Trem- 
T 
