AMERICAN HELLEBORE. 434 
“I made a few experiments with the powder of 
the Veratrum album in order to compare its pow- 
ers with those which existed in our native species. 
It was given in six eases—of two doses of three 
grains—neither produced any effect—one of four 
was not more effectual—six grains produced some 
vomiting, but not to any considerable extent—seyen 
no effect whatever—and. eight produced in about 
four hours after taking it considerable effect. If 
these experiments are to be depended upon, the 
foreign _— is mot, more» aonselied than the 
native species: | 
a 1 Sandahaniionhtent to snaniitiil cai esis 
ie power the Hellebore was. possessed of over cu- 
tanéous diseases. It has the reputation in the 
country of some.eflicacy in these complaints. The 
ointment and decoction were applied in a number 
of cases, and it certainly proved to be an applica- 
tion of considerable power. its effects. in some 
eases:amounted to a remoyal of the disease en- 
tirely—and in most, some diminution of it fol- 
— “which was more or less durable. oe 
»o#In one case where there was Slatin aboist 
ve wrists and other parts of the body, supposed 
to be the itch—the ointment (made by simmering 
together a dram of Hellebore in an ounce of lard) 
after being applied for some time, removed the 
