82 Spigelia Marilandica. 
and it is said, with the effect of counteracting the narcotic power of 
the pink-root. Professor Bergelius* has known instances of con- 
vulsions cured by Spigelia, without the expulsion of worms; and 
Dr. Barton informs us,+ that an extensive use of the plant convinced 
him it often affords relief in supposed cases of worms, but in which 
none were discharged. 
An opinion formerly prevailed that the poisonous effects of Spi- 
gelia were not produced by that plant, but by the roots of another, 
which was accidentally gathered with it. This idea is not, at this 
time, entertained; and the small black fibres which are found among 
the roots of the spigelia, and which were supposed to belong to the 
deleterious plant, are now known to be nothing else than the decay- 
ed roots of the spigelia, from the preceding year, and which, ae- 
cording to Mr. Elliot, are particularly visible in the spring, at which 
time the pink-root is gathered. 
The spigelia is somewhat mucilaginous, and is sweetish or insipid 
to the taste. It is therefore readily taken by children. The dose is, 
of the dried pulverized root, about fifteen grains or a scruple for a 
child between six and eight years of age, and half that quantity for 
an infant under six years. To an adult a drachm or two drachms 
* Essays and Observations, Physical and Literary, vol. iii. art. x. p. 149. 
+ Collections. 
2 
