166 HYOSCYAMUS NIGER. 
Gazette de Sante of 1773—4, some servants who 
slept in a barn, where the Henbane had been 
scattered for a defense against rats, awoke, with 
head-ach, dizziness and yomiting. 
In instances where death has ensued from 
swallowing this plant, the stomach has been 
found to exhibit marks of inflammation, and dark 
or gangrenous spots. 
The principal use which is made of Hyoseya- 
mus in medicine, is as a substitute for opium, in 
cases where that article disagrees with the pa- 
tient, or is contraindicated by particular symp- 
toms. It appears to be free from the constipat- 
ing qualities of opium, and in some instances it is 
found to fulfil the indications which call for an 
anodyne and soporific remarkably well. Among 
medical writers who have spoken favourably of its 
operation are Dr. Whytt, who employed it in ya- 
rious neryous diseases, and Mr. Burns, author of 
different obstetric works, by whom it is recom- 
mended as preferable to opium in certain puer- 
peral complaints. Mr. Benjamin Bell states, that 
he found great advantage from its use in trouble- 
some cases of chordee, after opium had failed to 
give relief. 
It must be acknowledged however, that Hyos- 
eyamus is far less uniform and equal in its opera- 
