38 SOLANUM. No. 86. 



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strongest j by drying, much of their strength is lost. A 

 slight nausea, vertigo, and palpitation, are evidences of 

 its operation. A palatable syrup may be made with it 

 and some aromatic substances. In general, it increases 

 all the secretions and excretions, excite the heart and 

 arteries, and in large doses, produces emesis, spasms, 

 delirium, giddiness^ palpitations, convulsions, and in- 

 sensibititv. 



The first doses ought to be always moderate and gra- 

 dually increased, beginning with one ounce of the de- 

 coction, or five grains of the extract, three times daily. 

 Dr. Haller and others have cured the cancer, by topical 

 application of the juice and green leaves. It is pernaps 

 the best cure for the loathsome lepra, by using it inter- 

 nally, and externally as a wash, also for all kinds of 

 herpetic eruptions, ulcerous sores, &c. in the same wav. 

 It is deemed a valuable auxiliary to mercury in syphilitic 

 eruptions. Thus it avails iij all cutaneous diseases of 

 tl^e skin ; twenty-one cases of lepra were cured out of 

 twenty-three, by Dr, Chricton. It increases the power 

 of sarsaparilla in all cases, and is an ingredient in all 

 depurative medicines and panaceas. It is a palliative in 

 ^ituitous and tubercular phthisis. It always acts as a 

 diuretic and aperient. It has been found useful in chro- 

 nic venereal pains, osteocopic pains, inflammatory fe- 

 vers, violent asthma, chronic rheumatism, and stiffness 

 in the muscles and joints. 



^ The Solanum virginianum^ which some deem a va- 

 riety of S. nigmm^ and grows all over the United States 

 in fields, road sides, &c. is easily knowtf by its herba- 

 ceous winged erect stem, small white flowers, berries 

 black, and ovate repand leaves. It possesses nearly all 

 the properties of S, dulcamara^ nay, is more narcotic 

 ^nd virulent, also hypnotic, sedative, &c» One to three 

 grains of the leaves infused in water, produce a copious 

 perspiration, profuse diuresis, and often purge next day; 

 a larger dose affects the nervous system. Therefore, 

 tbis plant is very active, and if substituted, must be 

 given carefully and gradually. The berries are poison- 

 o^^ causing coma, torpor, burning in the stomach, fever, 



il^rf' ft^''^' insensibility. The extract is less vio^ 

 lent, but highly sedative. "The leaves poison hogs and 



