kalium phosphoricum in religious melancholia

The following is a case of a lady, at. 44: "I saw," writes Dr. A., of Arnsberg, on the 7th of February, "a lady suffering from mental derangement. Religious melancholy was at the root, although before this occurrence, she had not inclined to religious excitement. She now declared she was lost forever, lamented, cried, wrung her hands, and tore her clothes, or pieces of paper which were laid about to prevent her tearing her garments. She did not know those around her, and was unable to sleep. Her eyes had a vacant stare, and it frequently required two people to hold her down. Only by holding her nose and by force, a little food or medicine could be put down her throat. I prescribed Kali phos., as her condition, though one of excitement, was originally one of depression, to which Kali phos. is suited. Dr. Schüssler says in his book: "A functional disturbance of the molecules of this salt causes in the brain mental depression, showing itself in irritability, terror, weeping, nervousness, etc., as well as softening of the brain." She took Kali phos. with excellent results. A former experience gained by this remedy led me to select it.