Ainbra grisea, a study
D. M. G I B S O N , M.B., B . S . ( L O N D . ) , F.R.C.S.(EDIN.), M.F. HOM.
PHARMACOGNOSY
Ambergris is a most curious substance which is formed in the intestinal tract
of the sperm whale. Fresh ambergris is soft in consistence, black in colour,
and has an unpleasant odour. Exposed to sun, air and sea water the material
hardens, the colour changes to ash grey and it develops a subtle and pleasing
fragrance. Pieces of ambergris weighing usually only a few ounces are found on
the beaches of a number of eastern countries, also in the Bahamas, Ireland,
and other areas washed by tropical seas. The substance is of considerable value,
being used commercially as the basis of a large variety of perfumes.
The chemical composition is not fully explored; it contains alkaloids, acids
and a fatty element, ambrein.
PHARMACOLOGY
There is a definite affinity with the nervous system, leading to hypersensitivity
both physical and psychological.
PHYSIOGNOMY
The subject may be emaciated, withered, tremulous, Children appear prema-
turely old. Speech is flighty; gait is tottering.
PSYCHOLOGY
The subject is shy, blushes easily and shows aversion from strangers.
Violent tempers alternate with depression, even despair. There is a tendency
to dwell on disagreeable things.
Is nervy, very easily upset, extremely sensitive to smells and sounds, finds
music intolerable.
Becomes embarrassed in company and cannot pass a stool in the presence
of other persons.
Sluggish mentally; must read something over three or four times and even
then cannot grasp the meaning fully. Is dreamy, forgetful, jumps from one topic
to another.
May cross the street to avoid meeting people she formerly enjoyed talking to.
Is incredibly timid; may actually weep when within sound of music. Desires
solitude.
PHYSIOLOGY
Subject is warm-blooded.
Suffers from insomnia due to vexation; may be unable to stay in bed. Sleep
is disturbed by hideous imaginations and visions.
Modalities. Is worse in a warm room, from taking warm drinks, in the presence
of other people. Is worse when lying down, on waking from sleep, from reading
aloud or talking, when listening to music.
126 THE BRITISH HOMG~OPATHIC JOURNAL
Finds relief in cold air, when walking at slow pace out of doors, from cold
food and cold drinks; feels better after a meal.
PATHOLOGY
General. Extreme sensitivity is met with, chiefly in children or in subjects
enfeebled by old age, overwork or persistent insomnia.
Head. Vertigo may be extreme, forcing the sufferer to sit down or lie down till
feeling better. A tearing pain is located in the upper half of the brain. Alopecia
may occur.
Eyes. There is a sensation of pressure on the eyes. The lids may itch violently.
Respiratory system. Violent paroxysmal cough is accompanied b y belching and
huskiness of voice. There is much tickling in throat, larynx and trachea; chest
feels oppressed; cough causes dyspnoea. Breathing may be asthmatic. Chokes
when hawking up sputum. Cough is often worse on waking in morning.
Alimentary system. Belching is very persistent, accompanied by a cold feeling
in the stomach. The belly becomes distended, especially after midnight.
Eructations taste acid.
Pains in the right hypochondrium are relieved by lying on the painful side.
Constipation is associated with frequent but ineffectual urge to stool. The
child especially is unable to pass a stool if anybody else is present, even its
nurse.
Cardiovascular system. Palpitation is common, associated with hot flushes and
a feeling of weight in the chest. There is awareness of throbbing and pulsations
in the arteries.
Urinary system. Pain occurs simultaneously in bladder and rectum. Burning
sensations are felt at the urethral orifice and anus.
Urination is accompanied by burning and itching in the urethra. When not
urinating there may be a feeling as if a few drops of urine were being passed.
The urine is apt to be turbid and form a brown sediment.
Genital system. There is much itching of the scrotum. External genitalia feel
numb. Erections may be violent and unaccompanied by libido.
In women a loss of blood per vaginam between periods results from the least
upset. Voluptuous itching occurs in the genital region; parts may be sore and
swollen.
Menses appear too early.
Leueorrhoea is thick, mucoid and bluish in eolour; it occurs mainly or solely
at night.
Locomotor system. Cramps occur in hands and fingers, worse if grasping an
object. Part goes numb if pressed on.
Lower limbs feel heavy. Cramps may occur in calves at night.
Skin. Itching, soreness or numbness affects different sites.
POSOLOGY
The remedy is of special value in excitable, asthenir children and young girls,
also in old people with worn-out nerves.
