Introduction
Sticta pulmonaria, Hook. Lungwort lichen. Nat. Ord., Lichenes.
Provings
I. Dr. BURDICK took, Nov. 9th, 1859, at 7 a. m., 10 dr. of a strong tinct. In 1 hour sharp darting pains in arms, legs, and shoulders, commencing in muscles of arms, then going to finger- joints and shoulders, next in thighs, knee -joints, and toes. Also dull sensation in head, with sharp darting pains through vertex, side of face, and lower jaw. There was sense of fullness at root of nose and in left hypochondrium. These symptoms were well marked; they continued for 2 to 3 hours, and were followed by general feeling of dullness of 2 to 3 hours duration. Next day at same hours repeated dose. Similar symptoms, followed; there was also a dull oppressive pain in cardiac region, slight oppression of lungs, dull pain in right hypochondrium-all lasting 3 to 4 h. On 11th, at 8 a. m., took 20 dr. In 1 hour experienced the previous dull sensation in head, with dull heavy pressure in forehead and root of nose; darting pains in temples; burning in lids, with soreness of balls on closing or turning eyes. There were burning, biting, sticking pains all over body; lancinating pain in second joint of middle finger; inability to concentrate mind on any one subject; general confusion of ideas. Above symptoms increased in intensity throughout day, and most of them continued till 18th, without repeating drug. (N. Amer. Journ. of Hom., xi 202.)
2. Dr. C. H. LUTES took for 4 days the 2x dil. increasing dose from 5 to 60 dr. It was without effect, as was also the 1x taken for same time in like manner. On Feb. 6th began proving tinct., taking 5 dr. at 8 a. m., and 10 dr. at noon and in evening 7th. – Took 15 dr. at 10 a. m. 12, slight frontal headache, dull, heavy, intermitting. 12:30, took 15 dr. 2, headache increased, worst in right supra – orbital region. 3 and 4, headache still worse, seems to extend through brain, especially bad on right side. General feeling of weariness; mind inactive; could not collect thoughts. 8th. – At 7 a. m., 30 dr. In 10 m. pain in right temple, deep, shooting, intermittent. 8, pain in head worse; extends through forehead and right parietal region, as if deep in brain. 9, took 40 dr. II, headache increased, worse in right supra-orbital region; pain dull, heavy, intermitting; eyes feel heavy; mind inactive; inability to concentrate thoughts; sensation as if scalp were too small, or were drawn too tight. 2, took 60 dr. 5, headache almost intolerable; seems to extend through brain. (HALE, New Remedies, 2nd ed.)
3. Dr. BURDICK (loc. cit.) relates a case where a lady, soon after taking the 1x dil., said she felt the medicine “over her.” A m. after she said her left leg felt as though it was floating in the air, feeling light and ethereal, without any sensation of resting on the bed. This continued for some time, and passed off gradually. Dr. Lilienthal observed a similar case. A girl of 12, with a slight influenza, having been sleepless the n. before, was given a few pellets of S. (dil. unnamed) in e. After taking them she became very lively; felt as if she would like to “strike out”, “only for fun”, and actually, lying down, kicked up her heels, saying she could not help it, and felt exactly as if she wanted to fly away. (Amer Journ of Hom. Mat. Med, ii, 234.).
Hughes was a great writer and a scholar. He actively cooperated with Dr. T.F. Allen to compile his 'Encyclopedia' and rendered immeasurable aid to Dr. Dudgeon in translating Hahnemann's 'Materia Medica Pura' into English. In 1889 he was appointed an Editor of the 'British Homoeopathic Journal' and continued in that capacity until his demise. In 1876, Dr. Hughes was appointed as the Permanent Secretary of the Organization of the International Congress of Homoeopathy Physicians in Philadelphia. He also presided over the International Congress in London.