Materia Medica

Mercurius corrosivus – Nash

Mercurius corrosivus
merc-c

Most persistent and terrible tenesmus before, during and after stool; stool scanty, mucus tinged with blood.

Tenesmus of the bladder and rectum at the same time; urine passed in drops with much pain.

Throat intensely inflamed, swollen, burning, with swollen gums, which bleed easily.

While we are on the subject of mercury we may as well notice the various combinations of the drug. MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS and VIVUS are so nearly alike that with the same indications some use one and some the other preparation. It is claimed by some that the VIVUS is better adapted to men and SOLUBILIS to women. I have not observed it, but do think that the SOLUBILIS works better in skin troubles. Of MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS we have to say that it leads all other remedies for TENESMUS OF THE RECTUM. This tenesmus is incessant. Stool does not relieve it, and this is what decides between it and NUX VOMICA in dysentery. It has also severe tenesmus of the bladder, and may here vie with CANTHARIS, CAPSICUM and NUX VOMICA, especially in dysentery.

Other symptoms must decide the choice.

This severe tenesmus may begin in the rectum and extend to the bladder or vice versa.

It is a very efficient remedy in gonorrhoea, in the second stage, when the greenish discharge has set in and the burning and tenesmus CONTINUES. It seems to have gained some reputation in Bright’s disease. I have no experience with it here, but would expect it to do good IF IT WERE INDICATED.

It seems, according to the testimony of others, to be a useful remedy for catarrhal affections of the eyes and nose. Here also I have no testimony to offer, but would not cast doubt upon it for that reason. I do not desire to place my own experience ahead of that of others. We are colaborers. Let each add to the general store of medical knowledge, that all may draw freely from it as occasion demands.