ACONITUM NAPELLUS. 
very uncertain, and depends on soil and the nature of the sea 
sons. The tuber is most active immediately after the period of — 
flowering, next the seed, and successively the leaves, stalk and 
fruit. Its narcotic principle is an alkaloid, which has been 
named Aconita. This principle is soluble in cold water, scarcely 
so in cold alcohol, but freely if heat be applied. 
Aconite is narcotic, diaphoretic, and in some cases, diuretic. 
In over doses it occasions violent nausea, vomiting, hypercathar- 
sis, vertigo, cold sweats, mania and convulsions, which termi- 
nate in death ; and these effects appear to depend on its action 
on the nervous system, as dissections of fatal cases have not dis- 
played any particular marks of organic disease. 
- Although, as already mentioned, this plant was known to the 
ancients, it was introduced into regular medical practice by Baron 
Stoerk of Vienna, who administered it internally in chronic rheu- 
matism, gout, exostosis, paralysis, and scirrhus ; and since the 
publication of his experiments in 1702, it has been advantage- 
ously employed in similar cases, and also in amaurosis, scrofula, 
cancer, itch, venereal nodes and intermittents. It is now uni- 
versally ranked among the most potent of therapeutic agents. 
In consequence, however, of its uncertain action, and its occa- 
sional production of alarming symptoms, it is not in general use. 
Much caution is required in the exhibition of it ; and it is abso- 
lutely necessary to know the length of time it ‘ini been gathered, 
as its activity varies so very considerably as to require this to be 
ascertained before the dose can be apportioned. It is given in 
the form of powder, extract and tincture, and may be combined 
with calomel, antimonials, camphor and guaiacum. The dose 
of the powder is one or two grains, gradually i increasing it to 
_ six oreight. The extract varies much in strength; but its use 
should always be commenced in doses not exceeding half a 
grain. The tincture may be administered in doses of ten to 
‘fifteen drops. 
- Succus Sprssarus Aconrra Napewut. fiestas Juice of 
 Acontte. Let the fresh leaves of aconite be bruised, enclose 
them in a hempen bag, and press them strongly until they yield 
: - their j juice, which is to be evaporated in flat vessels heated with 
boiling water saturated with muriate of soda, and immediately 
ae reduced to the. consistence of thick ee Aft the mass is 
