Page 12 - Autumn 23

Beryllium Metallicum – A Brief Insight into the Remedy and the Constitutional Equine & Canine Pictures by Tim Couzens
Until recently, Beryllium was not a remedy that I had used that often. Its main use had been in the treatment of equine sarcoids and not, as far as I can recall, for any other conditions. Fortunately, I have now seen enough cases to work out the constitutional remedy pictures for both horses and dogs. Of course, if anyone has any additional information to add that would be great.
The Element
Beryllium is a rare alkaline earth metal element with symbol Be with atomic number 4 sitting in column 2, row 2 (the Carbon series) of Scholten’s periodic table. It sits with impulsive, changeable Lithium to the left and the doubtful multiple personality of Boron to the right with the territorially aggressive nature of Magnesium below. As a divalent element it naturally occurs only in combination with other elements in minerals, especially as gemstones mainly Beryl (e.g., Emerald and Aquamarine) and Chrysoberyl. As a free element it is steel-gray coloured, strong, lightweight, and brittle. It is toxic if inhaled causing a condition called berylliosis, a chronic allergic type of lung condition which leads to the formation of inflammatory granulomas in the lungs; this condition is sometimes referred to as a form of sarcoidosis. Industrial uses include in alloys with copper and aluminium, and in the production of tools which are very hard and which importantly, don’t cause sparks when they hit a metal surface, a trait (metaphorically speaking) reflected in the unobtrusive, yielding personality of Beryllium. From its
position on the conventional periodic table, you would expect Beryllium to be a reactive metal but in fact it is not reactive as a surface layer of the oxide prevents it from reacting with water and other substances.
General Materia Medica
This remedy is not covered in Boericke but a search in Radar gives 127 entries in Murphy and 475 in Schroyens. Conditions covered include:
• Tumours in general (including osteosarcoma and sarcoids)
• Peritonitis
• Emphysema and a variety of other chest conditions
(not surprising given its toxicity linked to berylliosis) • Myocarditis
• Pancreatitis
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Throat symptoms
• Back pain
• Radiation burns
The mental (mind) symptoms cover several rubrics some of which I have spotted in dogs and horses matching the remedy - these are marked in bold:
• Anxiety in general
• Anxiety about the future • Difficult concentration
• Lack of confidence
• Confusion
• Various fears – cancer, crowds, death, disease, failure,
flying, operations, strangers, of walking • Forgetfulness
• Irresolution, indecision
• Decreased sense of orientation
• Sadness
• Sensitivity
• Slowness
• Timidity
The view from the perspective of Scholten’s periodic table
Terms used in the stage 2 column include timidly, does not realise what he can do, remains passive or adapts to the situation, just watches, the need for protection, bewilderment, feels overwhelmed.
The view from Vermeulen (Synoptic reference Volume 1)
The section of the book covering Beryllium is detailed and pinpoints key areas of affinity as the lungs, musculoskeletal system, mucosa and skin. Mind symptoms include the delusion of being observed, dullness, difficulty thinking and comprehending, reflects for a while before answering, feeling of helplessness, impatience, the need for safety and support, insecurity, yielding nature and yielding with possessions, critical of self.
The nature of Beryllium Horse
Sitting near the top left-hand corner of Scholten’s periodic table you would expect this remedy to suit young horses, I
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