DIG—DIG 
_ Cabinet specimens, Jeff. Coll. Nos. 264 and 265—figure of 
the plant, No. 266. : 
Native of Europe. The leaves should be gathered when the 
__ flower is in bloom, and only the fresh ones selected. The 
_ powder must be kept in glass-stopper vials, covered with 
- dark paper. | 
~ Quatitizs. The leaves, when carefully preserved, have a 
ae slight narcotic odour, a bitter nauseous taste—when re- 
duced to powder, a lively green hue. Contain extractive 
_ matter, and a green resin, in both of which the narcotic 
_ property resides. Destouches, a French chemist, obtain- 
ed, on analyzing them, much carbonate of ammonia, by 
distilling the aqueous extract. He also obtained sulphate 
of potash and of lime, phosphate of lime, carbonate of 
lime and of potash, and acetate of ammonia. Water and 
alcohol extract the virtues—coction injures them. 
- Meprcat Propertiss axp Usrs. Sedative and diuretic ; di- 
minishing the frequency of the pulse, and the general 
uritability of the system, and increasing the action of the 
absorbents. Produces slight nausea and languor. Aroma- 
tics in combination with it, diminish its diuretic powers. 
Has considerable influence over the heart and arteries— 
has been used in palpitations attendant on any irregular 
action of the heart. May be given—l, in substance—2, in 
SE tincture—3, in infusion—the last most diuretic. 
Dose, of dered leaves, gr. i, in a pill, twice a day; 
increasing Por a grain every second or third day, until 
ae i _ some effect be perceived on the kidneys or general frame. 
It sometimes sickens the stomach, and purges—when it 
does so, a little opium will correct both. 25 drops of the 
tincture, given three times a day, in barley water, is said 
by an English surgeon to have cured gonorrhea. Has 
been used in phthisis pulmonalis, as early as 1710. Dr. 
Baildon observed that posture has an effect in ascertaining 
its real operation on the system. After taking six grains a 
day, his pulse fell from 110 to 40; but when actually at 
40 in a recumbent position, the erect posture would raise 
it to 100. When sitting, it was 72—and lying down, 40. 
_He observed the same effects in several patients. Has 
been used in dropsies, in mania, scrofula, and in most 
cases of increased vascular action, when we desire to les- 
Sen the impetus of blood, as in aneurism. Now much used 
in inflammatory affections, in catarrhal fever of children, 
wm active hemorrhages, particularly uterine. Ferriar com- 
bined it with myrrh and sulphate of iron, for consumption. 
2 has been extended to venereal ulcerations, chronic 
cough, affec- 
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