Carboneum sulphuratum

A volatile, colourless liquid with a strong, unpleasant odour, prepared chemically from carbon and sulphur. It is heavier than water, highly inflammable, and toxic to the nervous system. The homeopathic preparation is made by dilution and succussion from pure CS₂.

Used industrially as a solvent for rubber, fats, oils, and in the production of viscose rayon and cellophane. Formerly used as a fumigant pesticide. Exposure causes characteristic neurotoxic symptoms, which are reflected in the proving picture.

First symptoms recorded from accidental poisoning in industrial workers in the mid-19th century; later pathogenetic trials conducted and published by various homeopathic physicians, notably in Allen’s Encyclopaedia and Clarke’s Dictionary.

• Central and peripheral nervous system – Progressive sensory and motor paralysis; incoordination [Hering, Allen].
• Special senses – Degenerative changes of optic and auditory nerves.
• Spinal cord – Sclerosis-like symptoms, especially posterior columns.
• Blood vessels – Toxic effects on vascular tone, producing congestion and degeneration.
• Digestive tract – Offensive breath, coated tongue, sluggish digestion.
• Skin – Pruritus, eruptions, ulcerations from impaired nutrition.
• Metabolism – Chronic poisoning states with gradual decline in vitality.

• Rest, avoidance of exertion.
• Gentle warmth in chronic states.
• Lying down during neuralgic pains.

• Physical exertion, especially walking or climbing stairs.
• Mental strain or prolonged concentration.
• Alcohol.
• Damp cold weather.
• Night and early morning.

• Plumbum metallicum – Progressive paralysis, but Plumbum more gastrointestinal colic and retracted abdomen.
• Argentum nitricum – Optic nerve atrophy, incoordination, but with marked gastric flatulence.
• Gelsemium – Paralysis and trembling, but more acute, not progressive.
• Phosphorus – Optic nerve disease, weakness, but with marked burning sensations.

• Complementary: Phosphorus, Plumbum.
• Antidotes: Nux vomica (for digestive symptoms), Camphor (acute poisoning).
• Follows well: Picric acid in nerve degeneration.

Carboneum sulphuratum is the picture of slowly advancing neurodegeneration—a creeping paralysis of body and mind from toxic insult. The patient gradually loses coordination, vision, hearing, and memory, while sinking into apathetic weakness. It suits long-term industrial toxin exposure, chronic neuritis, and optic atrophy with spinal symptoms.

• Particularly valuable in optic nerve atrophy from toxic or metabolic causes.
• In locomotor ataxia, can slow progression and relieve incoordination.
• Useful in peripheral neuritis of alcoholic or diabetic origin.
• May help chronic industrial solvent toxicity recovery

Mind:

• Memory, weakness of, recent events.
• Indifference to surroundings.

Head:

• Vertigo, rising from bed.
• Headache, worse mental exertion.

Eyes:

• Atrophy of optic nerve.
• Foggy vision.

Extremities:

• Trembling, lower limbs.
• Weakness, legs, progressive.

Generalities:

• Paralysis, progressive.
• Weakness from toxic exposure.

1. Allen, T.F. – Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica: Collated proving and poisoning records.
2. Clarke, J.H. – Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica: Chronic nervous degeneration, optic atrophy.
3. Hering, C. – Guiding Symptoms: Progressive paralysis, neuralgias.
4. Hughes, R. – Cyclopaedia: Pharmacodynamic profile of CS₂.
5. Farrington, E.A. – Clinical MM: Nervous system degeneration cases.
6. Boericke, W. – Pocket Manual: Summarised keynotes and uses.
7. Lippe, A. – Keynotes confirming spinal and optic symptoms.
8. Kent, J.T. – Lectures: Clinical notes on progressive ataxia remedies.
9. Nash, E.B. – Leaders: Nerve degeneration therapeutics.
10. Boger, C.M. – Synoptic Key: Progressive weakness, atrophy.