Page:Biographical Memoir of John C Otto MD.djvu/15

 This paper was published in the North American Medical and Surgical Journal, and has attracted considerable attention. It refers to a case of epilepsy, of a year's standing, in a boy about thirteen years of age. The attacks were frequent and violent, and the case altogether discouraging. The Doctor commenced the treatment with anthelmintic medicine, from a suspicion that the disease might be produced or aggravated by worms. After a considerable period, a portion of what was supposed to be a tape worm was discharged. He was likewise ordered three tea-spoonsful of a powder, consisting of equal parts, in bulk, of pulverized sage and ginger, and unbruised mustard-seed; this quantity to be given in water, syrup, or other agreeable vehicle, three mornings, fasting, and then omitted three mornings, and so on, alternately. The medicine was continued about a year, the convulsions becoming less frequent and violent, and, finally, they ceased altogether.

The patient continued free from the disease for four years; his mind, which had been enfeebled, regained its strength; and he was able to work diligently at his trade. It was not until this period that Dr. Otto reported his case—showing his extreme caution and conscientiousness in this respect.

The Doctor further states, that he never considers this remedy to have had a fair trial until it has been continued for at least six months; and that, even then, he is sensible that it restores but few, but that it has been more efficacious than any other article he has tried. He also recommends this powder in obstinate cases of chorea, and some of those painful chronic affections of the head appearing to depend on a deranged state of the stomach. It acts as a gentle tonic, and sometimes as a mild aperient; and is now known, and somewhat extensively used, as an excellent anti-spasmodic powder. Its utility, in some cases of epilepsy, has been attested by other practitioners, who have employed it at the recommendation of Dr. Otto.