Botanic Remedies 109 



icylates in acute rheumatic fever or colchicum in 

 gout. The drug does little for fever, and hence 

 aconite may be combined with it. 



In my hands, in cases of arthritis so-called 

 rheumatism not of specific character (gonococcic, 

 etc.) bryonia has aided as a symptomatic remedy; 

 but to depend upon it in acute rheumatic fever 

 seems to me to be most unwise. As a cooperating 

 remedy, it may have its uses in this connection, 

 and it often does have. 



In pericarditis with exudation and in pleurisy with 

 exudation, as well as in other sero-purulent exuda- 

 tions, it is claimed that bryonia promotes absorp- 

 tion. I don't believe it does unless pushed to the 

 extent of severe purgation. I have tried out the 

 matter in many cases, and have abandoned such 

 uses of the drug. The modern management of sero- 

 purulent exudations is not by giving drugs. I am 

 fully convinced in my own mind that bryonia is 

 very useful in alleviating pathologic dryness of 

 serous membranes, and to a lesser degree mucous 

 membranes; but I am just as strongly convinced 

 that the opposite indication exudation is not met 

 by bryonia. There may be exceptions in the case 

 of fibrinous or plastic exudates which have not be- 

 come organized. 



But the Homeopathic and Eclectic indications 

 for bryonia in dry cough, especially with blood- 

 stained expectoration and pain in the chest while 

 coughing, seem to me to be abundantly justified. 

 This condition may eventuate in any one of several 

 conditions various forms of bronchitis, pleurisy, 

 so-called "grippe" and pneumonia. Now, it stands 

 to reason that in these diseases other medication 



