AMERICAN HEMLOCK. 1314 
neglected. The plant is extremely common in 
many parts of the United States, and I believe its 
true character is not generally suspected. A very 
respectable physician informed me, that it was 
used in his vicinity as a gargle for sore throats, by 
people unsuspicious of its qualities. 
Since the discovery of its narcotic properties, 
the Cicuta has been used in small doses, as a sub- 
stitute for the conium, by one or two practitioners in 
this place. Its effects were very analogous to those 
of the true hemlock, as far as they were observed, 
but more powerful. A primary symptom, which 
attended a large dose, was nausea and vomiting. 
The treatment of persons poisoned by this 
plant, as in the ease of other narcotics, should pri- 
marily consist in a thorough evacuation of the stom- 
ach. As there commonly exists a spontaneous 
tendency to vomit, occasioned by the poison itself, 
this should be assisted by mechanical means, by 
irritating the throat with the finger, or with a feath- 
er. Of emetics; the sulphate of zinc is to be pre- 
ferred, on account of its speedy operation. Cas- 
tor oil or infusion of senna, should be given as 
soon as yomiting has taken place. The vegetable 
acids, such as lemon juice or vinegar, have a neu- 
tralizing influence on the narcotic, and are there- 
fore useful. Strong coffee and tea are the best an- 
