– A.W. Cowperthwaite.

Synonyms. Acidum Silicum. Silex. Common names. Flint. Silica.

GENERAL ANALYSIS.
Acts powerfully upon the vegetative sphere, affecting more especially the organic substances of the body and involving prominently mucous surfaces, glandular structures, bones and joints. The general condition of system produced, representing a perverted nutrition, resembles the two great dyscrasias scrofula and rachitis while the action of the drug, like that of the disease, is also, deep and long lasting. The chief property of Silicea is its power to produce a supportive process, either in soft tissues, in the periosteum, or in the bone itself. As a secondary result of the morbid processes set up by Silicea, the nervous system becomes involved, giving a condition of erethism conjoined with exhaustion, and resulting in various nervous disorders, spinal irritation, exalted activity of the senses, followed by depression and paralysis.
CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS
Mind Difficulty in fixing the attention; mind confused (Gels., Nux v.). Restless and fidgety; startled and anxious from the least noise, to which he is very sensitive (Coccul.). Desponding, melancholy, tired of life; lachrymose. Irritable, peevish, low- spirited (Nux v.). Excitement, with easy or orgasm of blood. Compunctions of conscience about trifles (Ign.). Head Vertigo ascending from dorsal region, through nape of neck into head, constantly inclined to fall forward; all day, while stooping at work. Congestion to the head, with redness and burning in the face. Difficulty in holding the head up. Heat of head. Pressing, bursting headache, as if the eyes and brain were forced outward (Acon., Bry., Kali iod.). Headaches, rising from the nape of the neck to the vertex. Violent headache, with loss of reason and unconsciousness. Headache at night, with confusion of mind. Roaring and shattering sensation in the brain, when stepping hard, or knocking the foot against anything. Violent pressive headache in the morning, with chilliness and nausea. Violent tearing in the head, frequently one-sided, starting from occipital protuberances; extending upward and forward. Headache, consisting of a bruised pain above the eyes, so that he could scarcely open them. Jerking headache extending deep into the brain. Tearing to vertex as if it would burst, extending through the head, with throbbing and chilliness, necessity to lie down and toss about in bed, better from binding the head tightly. Stitches in the forehead and temples. Weight over the eyes. Jerking pain in middle of forehead, renewed by suddenly turning around, stooping or talking. Pressive headache in occiput. Headache worse from mental exertion; noise; motion; jarring; light; stooping; cold air; better from binding head tightly (Arg. nit.; wrapping head warmly (Mag. mur.); hot compresses; in warm room. Head is wet from profuse sweating at night (Cinch.); likes wrapping up. Scalp very sensitive to touch, even of the hat (Carb.v., Cinch., Merc.). Eruption of back of head, moist, dry, or offensive; scabby, burning, itching; discharging pus (Hep. s., Graph. Lyc. Rhus tox., Sulph.). Itching on scalp (Camph., Sep., Sulph.); Painful and sore after scratching (Merc.). Itching pustules on scalp and neck; better from wrapping up warm. Eyes Inflammation of the eyes; red, with smarting, burning and profuse lachrymation (Alum., Calc. c., Lyc., Merc., Puls., Sulph.). Agglutination of the lids at night (Calc. c., Graph, Lyc., Phos., Rhus tox., Sulph.). Painful dryness of the eyes, as if full of sand, in the morning (Ars., Caust., Hep. s., Puls., Rhus tox., Sep.). Tearing shooting pains in the eyes, on pressing them together. Weakness. Heat twitching. Swelling of the right lachrymal gland and sac; skin inflamed. Dimness of vision; mist or flickering before the eyes (Phos., Sil.) Blackness before eyes after headache. Letters run together (Natr. mur.); appear pale. Black spots before the eyes (Agar., Cycl., Merc., Phos., Sep., Sulph.). Ulcers, spots and opacities of the cornea (Euphr., Nitr. ac., Sulph.). Ears Swelling of the external ear, with thin discharge from the inner ear, accompanied by a hissing noise. Otalgia, with drawing, stitching pains (Puls.). Itching in the ears (Baryt. c., Hep. s., Sulph.), especially when swallowing. Stoppage of the ears (Coccus., Mang.), Which open at times with a loud report. Difficult hearing, especially of the human voice (phos.). Roaring and singing in the ears (Cinch., Merc., Sulph.). Over- sensitiveness to loud sounds (Acon., Bell., Lyc., Sep.). Nose Frequent, violent sneezing, or inefficient efforts to sneeze. Acrid, corroding discharge from the nose (Ars., Amm.carb., Arum., Merc. cor.). Discharge of much mucus without coryza. Dry coryza; complete stoppage of the nostrils (Nux.v.). Alternate fluent and dry coryza (Alum., Nux v., Phos.). Sore, painful spots below septum of nose, with sticking on touch. Nose inwardly dry, painful, excoriated, covered with crusts. Drawing in root of nose and in right malar bone. Bleeding of the nose (Acon., Bell., Bry., Phos.ac.). Itching in the nose (Sulph.). Voluptuous itching about the nose, in evening, Soreness as if beaten in nasal bones. Face Pale, suffering expression. Pimples and ulcers in vermilion border of lower lip. Blisters on margins of upper lip, sticking or smarting on touch. Painful ulcers in corners of mouth (Ant.crud., Graph., Lyc., Rhus tox.), with itching. Burning about the mouth. Herpes on the chin (Hep.s., Graph.). Painful swelling of the submaxillary glands (Hep.s.); pain on touch. Mouth Teeth become loose and feel elongated (Ars., Merc., Rhus tox.), with swelling and painful soreness of the gums; inflamed gums; gum boils. Gums painfully sensitive on taking cold water into the mouth. Soreness of the tongue. Sensation of a hair lying on forepart of tongue (back part, Kali bi., Natr.mur.). Offensive odor from the mouth (Arn., Hep.s., Iodi., Merc., Nitr. a.) in the morning . Taste sour after eating. Dryness of the mouth (apis, Ars., Nux m., Puls., Sep.). Throat Sore throat, as if swallowing over a lump or an excoriated surface; especially on left side. Swelling of uvula. Sticking on swallowing, with pain on touch. Pressive pain or prickling in throat when swallowing. Paralysis of the velum palati; food is ejected through the nose. Stomach Ravenous hunger, or loss of appetite. Excessive thirst (Acon., Ars., Bry., Rhus tox., Sec.). Bitter taste in the morning (Bry., Cinch., Puls., Sulph.). Sour, acid eructations (Carb.v., Nux v., Phos., Puls.); after a meal, with burning in throat. Water tastes bad; vomits after drinking. Nausea, with good appetite and natural taste of food. Heaviness and pressure in stomach after eating (Ars., Bry., Nux v., Sep.). Burning in pit of stomach (Ars., Canth., Phos., Sang.). Sensitiveness of pit stomach to pressure (Hyos., Natr.carb., Puls., Sep.). Squeezing and clawing in pit of stomach, especially after meals. Abdomen Swelling; uneasy and pressive pain in region of liver. Abdomen distended, hard and tense (Ars., Baryt. c., Calc.c., Merc.). Flatulence, with much rumbling (Agar., Aloe, Hep. s.). Emission of very offensive flatus (Aloe, Bry., Graph.). Cutting and pinching pains in abdomen, with constipation. Inflamed inguinal glands, large as peas, painful to touch. Stool and Anus Cutting and stinging in the rectum. Burning or stinging in rectum during stool. Moisture in the anus (Carb.am., Carb. v., Merc.cor.). Burning in the anus (Ars., Canth., Sulph.), especially after a dry, hard stool. Constriction in anus during stool. Constant but ineffectual desire for stool (Nux v.). Stool remains long in rectum. Diarrhoea; stools horribly offensive (Ars., Asaf., Lept.). PAsty, liquid mucus. Constipation; stools scanty or composed of hard lumps, light- colored; expulsion difficult, as from inactivity of the rectum (Alum.); when partly expelled, it slips back again. Painful haemorrhoids; protrude during stool (aloe, Calc.c., Lach., Mur. ac., Puls). Urinary Organs Frequent micturition, with distress, from irritable sphincter. Urging at night. Male Organs Sexual desire increased or very weak. Violent erections at night (Graph.). Nocturnal emissions (Cinch., Digit., Phos. ac.). Lascivious thoughts. Discharge of prostatic fluid while straining at stool (Agn., Selen.). Itching and moist spots on scrotum (Petrol., Sulph.); Hydrocele. Sweat on scrotum (Rhod.). Female Organs Increased menses, with repeated paroxysms of icy coldness over whole body. Suppressed menstruation (Caul., Cimic., Puls.). Menses too early and too feeble. Profuse, acrid, corrosive leucorrhoea (Ars., Kreos.); purulent; milky; in paroxysms. Pressing-down feeling in vagina. Itching, burning and soreness in pudenda (Sulph.); during menses. Mammae swollen hard, and painful (Coni.), as if “gathering” (merc., Phyt.),near the nipple. Darting, burning pains in left nipple. Nipple ulcerates; is very tender. Respiratory Organs Hoarseness; roughness of the larynx (Carb. v., Hep. s., Kali. s., Kali bi., Rhus tox.). Dry, hacking cough with hoarseness with soreness in the chest, caused by ticking and irritation in the throat (phos., Rumex, Sang., Sep.). Cough, especially in the evening on lying down, during the night (coni., Puls., Sep.), and after waking in the morning. Expectoration thick, yellow,lumpy; purulent(Carb. c., Lyc., Staph.); tenacious mucus (Kali bi.,Phos.); Profuse; greenish(Stan.). Obstructed respiration; shortness of breath; oppression. Bruised pain in chest when coughing (Apis., Arn.). Sticking pain in the chest and sides (Bry., Kali c., Phos., Sep.). Pressive pain in the sternum. Heart Palpitation and throbbing over the whole body while sitting. Violent palpitation on every movement. Neck and Back Cervical glands and parotids swollen; indurated (Baryt. c., Calc. c., Iodi.). Stiffness of the nape of neck; with headache (chel., Ign.). Weakness in back, and paralyzed feeling in limbs; could scarcely walk. Burning in back when walking in the the open air and becoming warm. Aching, shooting, burning and throbbing in lumbosacral region. Stitches between the hips. Tearing between and beneath the scapulae. Stiffness and pain in small of back on rising from a seat, or on getting out of bet in the morning. Pain as if beaten, in the small of back and hips. Coccyx painful, as after a long carriage ride. Stinging in os coccygis on rising; painful to pressure. Scabby elevation on coccyx, above fissure of nates. Limbs Nails dirty-yellow, crippled and brittle. Ulcers about nails. Weakness of the limbs; can scarcely walk. Limbs go to sleep easily (Sep., Sulph.). Lyc-cold legs and feet (Verat. alb.). Soreness and lameness in the limbs. Upper Limbs Heaviness and paralytic weakness of the arms. Trembling in all the limbs, especially in the hands. Great swelling of the axillary glands (Baryt. c., Lyc.). Tearing pain in wrists and ball of hand. Arms go to sleep when resting on them. Skin cracked in arms and hands. Cramp-like pain and lameness of the hand after slight exertion. Profuse sweat of the hands. Falling asleep of the hands at night. Finger bails rough and yellow. Dryness in tips of fingers. Contraction of flexor tendons; very painful when moving fingers. Tearing, drawing, sticking pain and numbness in fingers, as if suppurating, or as if a panaritium would form. Lower Limbs Heaviness and weariness of the lower limbs. Tearing, stitching pains in the hips and thighs. Ulcer on leg, with sticking, burning pains. Suppurating pains in hip-joint. Drawing pains extending from the hips to the feet. Knee is painful, as if too tightly bound. Tearing in knee when sitting, better from motion. Cramp-like tension in the calves, and contraction. Swelling and redness of the feet. Intolerable carrion-like odor of the feet, without sweat, every evening. Offensive foot sweat (Baryt. c., Nitr.ac., Graph.), with rawness between the toes (Sep.) Burning of feet. Cramp in soles of feet (Carb.v., Sulph.). Corrosive ulcer on heel, with itching. Soreness of the soles; also burning (Calc. c., Sulph.). Itching, suppurating scabs on toes. Constant, violent boring or tearing in the great toes. Ingrowing toe nails (Mar. ver.); offensive discharge. Stitching pains in corns (Sulph.); also under toe nails. Generalities Weakness and sense of great debility ; wants to lie down; in morning after waking; on rising; evening; after walking; at night, even to faintness. Emaciation; with pale, suffering expression. Trembling hen writing. Coldness of left side of body. Epileptiform spasms; starting, distortion of eyes, twitching of lips, lolling of tongue, stretching and distortion of head and limbs. Restlessness, with excitement. Want of vital warmth (Led., Sep.), even when taking exercise. Sensitive to cold air (Aur., Coccul., Kreos., Sep.); takes cold easily (Calc.c.). Painful, bruised feeling over the hole body (Arn., Bapt.); after coition; at night, as if he had lain in an uncomfortable position. Whole side of body on which he lies is painful, as if ulcerating, with chilliness on uncovering; thirst, and flushes of heat to the head (Calc. Phos.). Itching and sticking in various of the body. Feeling as if knives were running into her. Skin Small wounds heal with difficulty, and suppurate profusely (Borax, Graph., Hep. s., Sulph.). Painful pustular eruptions (Cic., Crot. tig., Sulph.); at last forming suppurating ulcers; on forehead, occiput, sternum and spine. Eczematous or herpetic eruptions (Graph., Hep.s., Lyc., Sulph.). Disposition to boils in various parts; with stinging on touch. Ulcers, with stinging, sticking, burning pains; offensive, with ichor and proud flesh (Ars., Carb. c., Graph.). Itching on various parts, worse at night, with sticking. Painless swelling of glands; also with suppuration (Graph., Hep. s.). Fistulous openings; discharge offensive; parts around hard, swollen, bluish-red. Sleep Great sleepiness after eating (kali c., Nux m.), and in the evening. Yawning. Sleepiness all day. Restless, uneasy sleep; starting from sleep in fright, with trembling of whole body. Talking in sleep. Sleepiness after 2 A.M., with rush of thoughts. Dreams confused; frightful, of his youth; of past events; anxious; lascivious, with emissions (Phos.ac.). Fever Constant chilliness, even when exercising or in a warm room (Puls.). shivering creeping over the whole body. Fever, with violent heat in the head (Bell.); afternoons; at night, with thirst and catching inspiration. Frequent flushes of heat, especially face and head. Fever worse at night. Profuse perspiration at night (cinch., Stan. ac., Sulph.); sour or offensive (Arn., Ars., Carb.an.). Perspiration on slight exercise (Ambr., Calc.c., Hep. s., Lyc., Phos., Sep., Aggravation During new moon (Caust.)); from motion; at night; in morning; from uncovering the head; open air; cold and wet; lying on painful side; wine. Amelioration From wrapping head; from warmth; in the room. Conditions Scrofulous children; large bellied, weak ankles, and much sweat about the head. Over-sensitive; imperfectly nourished, not from want of food, but from imperfect assimilation. Compare Arn., Bell., Calc. c., Carb. v., Fluor. ac., Graph., Hep. s., Hyper., Kali c., Lach., Lyc., Merc., Mur. ac., Nitr. ac., Nux., Phos., Phos. ac., Picr.ac., Puls., Rhus tox., Ruta, Sep., Sulph., Thuja. After Bell., Bry., Calc c., Cina, Graph., Hep.s., Ign., Nitr., ac., or Phos., then Sil. follows well. After Sil. come Fluor.ac., or Hep.s., Lach., Lyc., Sep. Antidotes Camph., Hep.s., Fluor.ac. Silicea Antidotes Merc., Sulph.
THERAPEUTICS
The chief clinical value of Silica is in the treatment of slow supportive processes in general long lasting suppurations; glands, abscesses ulcers, felons, boils, carbuncles, cancers, caries, etc. Bad effects of splinters, needles, etc., penetrating thee flesh. Indurations following supportive inflammations, to cause absorption. Valuable in scrofulous and rachitic conditions in general. Defective nutrition in scrofulous children, not from want of food, but from imperfect assimilation; open fontanelles; head large; body emaciated; large abdomen; sweat on the head, earthy complexion. Child slow in learning to walk. Diseases of bones (Fluor.ac.); of glands. Caries of bones, especially long bones, with stabbing pains. Caries of vertebrae. Spinal curvature. Necrosis. Enchondroma. Exostoses. Hip-joint disease. Felons sometimes aborted; they are generally better from warmth. Abscesses, especially about joints, with fistulous opening, offensive discharge, surrounding part hard, swollen, bluish- reed. Mild and malignant suppurations, cellular tissues. Disposition to boils. Pustular, eczematous and herpetic eruptions. Herpes zoster. Ulcers, with stinging, burning pains, offensive, proud flesh. Ailments from impure vaccination. Finger nails become yellow and brittle. Ulcers about the nails. Ingrowing toe-nails. Offensive feet. Offensive foot sweat. Useful in a variety of chronic diseases of the nervous system. Epilepsy, with well-marked aura starting from the solar plexus. Paralysis, more often a paralytic weakness arising from defective nutrition. Spinal irritation. Locomotor-ataxia. Often useful in nervous affections following injuries of the spine. Chronic effects of fright or shock. In all nervous disease the patient is extremely sensitive to all external impressions. The surface of the body is tender to the touch, and the spine cannot beat the last jar or pressure, also mental irritability and restlessness. Often valuable in nervous headaches, with symptoms noted in pathogenesis, especially when better from bandaging the head tightly or wrapping it up warmly. Useful in various diseases of the eye. A valuable remedy in inflammation of the lachrymal sac and in lachrymal fistula (Fluor. ac.). Caries of the orbital bones. Scrofulous conjunctivitis. Blepharitis. Tarsal tumors. Ulcers and opacities of cornea; corneal fistulae. Senile cataract. Keratitis. Hypopion. Sclero-choroiditis. Irido- choroiditis. Big styes; also to prevent their recurrence. Inflammation of external, middle or inner ear; especially chronic supportive inflammation of middle ear; hissing noises most characteristic; ichorous discharge. Caries of mastoid processes. Chronic nasal catarrh, offensive purulent discharge, or thin, bloody, excoriating; ulcerated membrane; eustachian tube involved, with itching and tingling. Hay-fever, with symptoms given in pathogenesis. Necrosis of the jaw (Phos.). An extremely valuable remedy in abscesses at the of the teeth and dental fistulae. Tonsilitis, when the tonsils, have suppurated and the process does not cease. Hepatic abscess. Haemorrhoids. Fissures of the anus, with irritability and moisture. Diarrhoea, stools painless, offensive, lienteric, with constitutional symptoms of the drug. Constipation, from inactivity, stool when partly expelled slips back again. Diabetes, with general Silicea symptoms. Nocturnal seminal emissions. Sexual weakness. Hydrocele. Chlorosis. Suppuration of mammary tumors. May be useful in bronchial troubles of Silicea children; also in old people, especially phthisis mucous. Supportive stage of tuberculosis, with offensive,purulent expectoration. Sometimes useful in asthma following a suppressed fistulous discharge of long standing. Hectic fevers, with night sweats. Sometimes useful in chronic rheumatism.

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