66 RANUNCULUS BULBOSUS. 
struum, and were of an inflammable nature. If 
have not met with an appearance of this kind. 
The distilled water, however, had a substance 
dissolved in sufficient quantity to yield a gradual 
precipitate with some reagents, such as muriate 
of tin and acetate of lead. The strength of the 
distilled water is impaired by continuing the 
operation too long. The acrimony of the plant 
is expended in a very short time at the boiling 
heat, and a farther continuance of the distillation 
brings over only water. 
Since the time of Hiinncagileh [Note Ass ‘the 
acrid and stimulating properties of the Ranunculi 
have been well known. This acrimony resides 
in all the species, with the exception of RK. auri- 
comus, which is said to be mild, and perhaps two 
or three others. It is so powerful that it speed- 
ily inflames or corrodes the lips and tongue, if 
kept in contact with them. In the nostrils it 
acts as a violent sternutatory, and if swallowed in 
considerable quantity, it brings on great pain, 
heat and inflammation of the stomach, and has 
even occasioned convulsions and death. 
Before the introduction of Cantharides as a 
yesicatory, different species of Ranunculus were 
used upon the skin, as external stimulants. 
Their power of occasioning erosion and ulceration 
