Lobelia inflata. 187 
_ Every portion of this species of Lobelia is endued with the same 
acrid, pungent, and finally, nauseating taste. On chewing the root, 
the leaves, the stem, or one of the capsules, the first impression on 
the palate is not very decided: but on continuing the chewing, a sense 
of heat or biting is perceived in the back part of the tongue, and in 
the fauces. At this time the taste of the plant is similar to that of 
tobacco, seneka, or tartar-emetic; but if the mastication be perse- 
vered in, slight giddiness and increase of saliva come on ; and if the 
quantity of the article in the mouth be sufficient, and be swallowed, 
nausea and excessive vomiting supervene, succeeded by great relax- 
ation of the muscles, perspiration, and prostration of strength. One 
ortwo capsules, in the recent state, will produce full vomiting in most 
persons. From this account, which is faithfully given from the rela- 
tions of those who have taken the Lobelia by my directions, as well 
as.in part from my own feelings, it is evident that it is very stimu- 
lating to the mouth and first passages. This, together with its sub- 
sequent effects when taken extensively, would indicate that it is con- 
siderably narcotic. It is manifest also from these effects, that the 
plant is sufficiently deleterious to create dangerous consequences to 
the system, if administered without great caution. Not only horses 
and cattle have been supposed to be killed by eating it, but a remark- 
able instance of its deleterious effects on the system, is related in the 
report of a trial for murder of a notorious empiric in Massachusetts, 
who used this Lobelia to a pernicious extent as a nostrum. This 
daring and ignorant man is said to have “usually prescribed it, and 
