Tela Aranearum

COMMON NAMES, Spider's Web, Cobweb.



PREPARATION.--Triturate in the usual way.



(The following paper is by Dr. S. A. Jones, it was

published in the American Observer, 1876):



Dr. Gillespie, of Edinburgh, "cured an obstinate intermittent with

cobweb after other means had failed." Dr. Robert Jackson was led from

this to try it himself. He told his success to Dr. Chapman, o

Philadelphia, who requested one of his pupils, Dr. Broughton, to

investigate the subject, which he did, and wrote his Inaugural Thesis

thereon in 1818. From these and other authorities we can gather enough

testimony to show that it is well worth while to make a systematic

proving of this animal product, thereby predicating its sphere and

precisioning its employment.



In a work on fevers--which particular edition I have not been able to

consult--Dr. Jackson writes: "I think I may venture to say that it

prevents the recurrence of febrile paroxysms more abruptly, and more

effectually, than bark or arsenic, or any other remedy employed for that

purpose with which I am acquainted: that, like all other remedies of

the kind, it is only effectual as applied under a certain condition of

habit; but that the condition of susceptibility for cobweb is at the

same time of more latitude than for any other of the known remedies."



If we bear in mind Grauvogl's constitution-classification of Diadema

aranea as an hydrogenoid remedy, and recall how generally the

hydrogenoid constitution is induced by intermittent fever, we shall be

ready to acknowledge the truth of the passage which I have placed in

italics, and with this evidence of a truthful beginning we shall be more

ready to accept the subsequent testimony.



"If the cobweb," continues Dr. Jackson, "was given in the time of

perfect intermission, the return of paroxysm was prevented; if given

under the first symptoms of a commencing paroxysm, the symptoms were

suppressed, and the course of the paroxysm was so much interrupted that

the disease, for the most part, lost its characteristic symptoms. If it

was not given until the paroxysm was advanced in progress the symptoms

of irritation, viz.: tremors, startings, spasms, and delirium, if such

existed as forms of febrile action, were usually reduced in violence,

sometimes entirely removed. In this case sleep, calm and refreshing,

usually followed the sudden and perfect removal of pain and irritation.

Vomiting, spasms, and twisting in the bowels, appearing as modes of

febrile irritation, were also usually allayed by it; there was no effect

from it where the vomiting or pain was connected with real inflammation

or progress to disorganization."



"In cases of febrile depression, deficient animation, or indifference to

surrounding objects, the exhibition of eight or ten grains of cobweb was

often followed by exhilaration: the eyes sparkled; the countenance

assumed a temporary animation, and, though the course of the disease

might not be changed, or the danger averted, more respite was obtained

than is gotten from wine, opium, or anything else within my knowledge."



"In spasmodic affections of various kinds, in asthma, in periodic

headaches, in general restlessness and muscular irritabilities its good

effects are often signal. The cobweb gives sleep, but not by narcotic

power;--tranquillity and sleep here appear to be the simple consequence

of release from pain and irritation."



"The changes induced on the existing state of the system, as the effect

of its operation, characterize it as powerfully stimulant: 1. Where the

pulses of the arteries are quick, irregular, and irritated, they become

calm, regular, and slow, almost instantaneously after the cobweb has

passed into the stomach: the effect is moreover accompanied, for the

most part, with perspiration and perfect relaxation of the surface. 2.

When the pulses are slow, regular, and nearly natural they usually

become frequent, small, irregular, sometimes intermitting. 3. When

languor and depression characterize the disease, sensations of warmth

and comfort are diffused about the stomach, and increased animation is

conspicuous in the appearance of the eye and countenance."



Dr. J. likewise "effected perfect cures with it in some troublesome

spasmodic affections, and gave it with the most marked benefit in dry,

irritating coughs, usually termed nervous. In the advanced stage of

phthisis it procured a respite beyond his expectation. He also found it

useful in restraining a troublesome hiccough."



Remembering the fame of Mygale avicularia in chorea we may well expect

this other spider to be of use "in some troublesome spasmodic

affections."



Dr. Chapman writes of it: "I have cured some obstinate intermittents,

suspended the paroxysms of hectic, overcome morbid vigilance from

excessive nervous mobility, and quieted irritation of the system from

other causes, and particularly as connected with protracted coughs and

other chronic pectoral affections. * * * * Some consider it as highly

stimulant, invigorating the force of the pulse, increasing the

temperature of the surface, and heightening excitement generally--others,

witnessing no such effects, are disposed to assort it with those

remedies which seem to do good chiefly by soothing the agitations of

the system. I confess that I concur in the latter view of its

properties."



How unconsciously the Philistines of Old Physic bear testimony to the

truth of our therapeutic law. Given where "heightened excitement"

obtained, Chapman saw it "do good chiefly by soothing the agitations of

the system," and to him, of course, cobweb was a sedative.



Dr. Broughton, in his Thesis, says: "In all the cases of disease in

which I have seen or heard of the exhibition of the web, no sensible, or

at least no uniform, operation could be observed. Some patients were

sensible of none, others of a slight sudorific, and some a nauseatic

effect; and one or two thought it proved cathartic after remaining in

the system for the space of twelve or fifteen hours. These accounts

being so incorrect and various, I determined to ascertain (if possible)

the correct operation by giving the web to healthy persons."



"I found from these experiments that the operation of the web appeared

principally to be upon the arterial system; and perhaps in less time

than any article already known: the force and frequency of the pulse

being uniformly reduced in some cases ten, in others fifteen strokes in

a minute; and in one case, the pulse, from being strong and full, became

soft, small, and very compressible; all which operation took place

within the space of two hours, after which time the artery gradually

regained its former force and frequency. This has been the only

invariable effect I could observe, all others appearing but anomalous."



Dr. Thacher cites the following case from a paper of Dr. Jackson's: "W.

Sands has been afflicted for many years with a distressing asthma, which

has proved fatal to his father and two sisters. The complaint being

hereditary, and aggravated by malformation of the thorax, no remedy gave

any permanent relief, nor did change of climate procure any alleviation

of symptoms. For a considerable time back he has never been able to lie

down in bed on account of a sense of suffocation, but is obliged to be

supported half sitting by pillows, and is seldom able to sleep. He

swallowed nearly a scruple of the spider's web, he swallowed it at bed

time, and to his utter astonishment enjoyed sound and uninterrupted

sleep all night; a blessing to which he had been an entire stranger

above six years. Since he began with the cobweb thinks his health is

improved; the cough has certainly abated, but whenever the remedy is

omitted the complaint returns."



Dr. Oliver found that "by the use of this remedy a patient laboring

under organic disease of the heart and hydrothorax obtained great relief

and refreshing sleep, who had not before slept for three nights.

Another, under similar affection, experienced uncommon relief from the

same prescription. To one suffering much pain from cancer it afforded

ease and comfortable sleep. A patient in phthisis pulmonalis being

affected with distressing agitation of mind and nervous irritation, it

answered like a charm, and soon induced great sleep like a moderate dose

of opium."