Resumen:
We show that tarantism was well known among the homeopaths in 19th
century. Particularly, we analyse the book Medical study of the tarantula venom
following the Hahnemann method (Madrid, 1864) published by José Núñez,
one of the most important Spanish representatives of homeopathy during 19th
century. We observe that the homeopathic perspective of tarantism accentuates
vitalistic and empirical aspects, and is based on the extemporal analysis of earlier
medical writings. We establish the sources on the tarantism in this period.
Núñez maintained that music had a direct influence on organic structures such
as the brain, as had been stated in previous centuries, but now he based the
theory on his experience of the pathogenesis. The longest section of Núñez¿
treatise is dedicated to experiments with tarantula venom. The book is a milestone
in the history of tarantism and music therapy with a new perspective
which completes the lengthy course of this phenomenon to the present.
