They are prepared in two forms, Dilutions and Triturations (powdered form).  From the triturations tablets are made.  When we write “3X dil.” that means 3X dilution; when we write “3X trit.” that means 3X trituration.  The 3X means or indicates the strength of the medicine.  We have different dilutions and triturations, as IX, 2X, 3X, 4X, etc., according to the strength of the medicine used and we say dil. or trit., for dilution or trituration, depending upon the form to be used.  Tablets are handier to use than the triturations or powder.  In this book when I write trituration I shall always expect you to use it in the form of tablets.  Instead of giving directions in every disease how to prepare the medicine, I will give it here.

When you use the medicine in the dilution (liquid) form, you put ten to fifteen drops of the dilution (say the 2X or any one) in a glass half full of water and give one to two teaspoonsful everyone-half to one to two or three hours, as the case may be, according to the age of the patient, etc.  This is for acute cases.

For chronic cases.—­You give medicine three or four times a day, one to two teaspoonfuls at a time.  When you use it in trituration (tablet) form, you give one to two tablets at a dose every one-half to one, two or three hours, etc.  In chronic cases three or four times a day, one or two tablets.

For the beginning of a common cold.—­Aconite 2X dil.  Put ten drops in a glass half full of water and take two teaspoonsful every one-half hour for three doses, then every three hours for twelve hours.  Tincture of camphor in drop doses is also good.

If throat feels raw and sore.—­I give three tablets of Mercurius bin. 2X trit. (tablet form) in alternation with the Aconite for three doses.  Then stop it.

La grippe.—­Gelsemium IX dil.  Put ten drops in a glass half full of water and give one to two teaspoonfuls everyone-half to two hours.  Feels sick, achy and bad all over; generally good at the beginning.

Belladonna 3X dil. if throat is raw and sore, throbbing, beating arteries, tickling annoying hard cough.

Mercurius 3X trit. (tablet form).  When throat is sore with much saliva, sticky sweat which does not relieve.

Bryonia 2X dil.  Grip with cold on chest, hurts to cough.

Phosphorus 3X dil.  In bronchial tubes under breast bones.

Arsenicum 3X trit. (tablet form) stopped nose, watery burning discharge; feverish, thirsty and restless; chills and fever.

Stomatitis.—­Meaning a simple inflammation of the mouth.

Mercurius sol. 3X trit. (tablet form).  Give one to two every one to three hours, according to the case.

[450 Mothers’ remedies]

Aphthae (Thrush) in Children.—­l Mercurius sol. 3X trit. (tablet form).  Indicated when it extends downward and produces diarrhea.  Give one tablet every four hours for a few days.