Thallium

Thallium. A Rare Metal. Tl. (A. W. 3037). Trituration. Solution of the Sulphate.

Clinical

Baldness. Conjunctivitis. Locomotor ataxy. Paraplegia.

Characteristics

Thallium is a rare metal discovered by Crooked in the residuum left from the distillation of Selenium and named Thallium (9aXX<, a green shoot) from the green it gives in the spectrum (H. W.j xxxiii. 242). It has been experimented with by Lamy and Mann6. Some symptoms of Thal. suL, which is an energetic poison, are included (and distinguished) in the Schema. The symptoms observed on animals were from the sulphate, with which< Lam experimented (H. W. xxxiv. 82). Combermale, of Lille, used That with success in the nit-sweats of phthisis, but this treatment had the effect of causing profuse falling of the hair, so serious as to contraindicate its use. Huchard had patients become quite bald in several days. Hansen says TkiU. relieves the violent pains of tabes dorsalis..

Relations p. 1406

Thai, belongs to the Lead group of metals, and approaches Plumb, closest in its symptoms. Compare : Baldness, Jabor., Pile, Petr. Baldness and phthisis, Pho.

Head p. 1406

Hair falls off with great rapidity.

Eyes p. 1406

Very frequent conjunctivitis with abundant production of mucus.

Mouth p. 1406

Ptyalism.

Stomach p. 1406

Loss of appetite.-*Nausea.— Vomiting.-Patn in stomach and bowels, terribly severe lancinations, following each other with the rapidity of electric shocks (Thal. sul).

Abdomen p. 1406

Gall-bladder distended (do.— €k>ating of liver white and granular-looking (duck). — Pain in intestinal canal. — Retraction or depression of abdomen (Thai, sul.),

Stool and Anus p. 1406

Diarrhoea ; bloody stools. — Constipation (Thai, suL)

Respiratory Organs p. 1406

Slow and difficult breathing.

Heart p. 1406

Diminished frequency of pulse. Q. Lower Limbs— Pain of tabes dorsalis.— Trembling and more or less complete paralysis in lower extremities (Thal. suL). — Great lassitude.— Paraplegia (dog).

Generalities p. 1406

Emaciation.— Hyperemia, swelling, and excessive secretion. — Anomalies of motion, chorea-like movements.

Fever p. 1406

Remedies profuse sweating in some cases of severe illness, — Night-sweats of phthisis.