46 EIGHTEENTH REPORT. 



and Pilocarpine, of the IJubiaceae, are both depressors of the 

 motor side of the spinal cord, an activity that may be effectively 

 antagonized by Atropine (of the Solanaceae). Strychnine, of the 

 group Loganiaceae, is a powerful excitant of the spinal cord, 

 greatlj' heightening ease of sensory-motor response thereby facili- 

 tating reflexes of a spasmodic type. 



From the group Apocyanaceae is derived a glucoside, Strop- 

 hanthin which is an exceedingly powerful stimulant of heart 

 muscle, being in fact a cardiac paralyzant in any but minute doses. 

 Another important glucoside is Digitoxin, from Digitalis purpurea 

 of the group Scrophylariaciae, which also powerfully affects the 

 heart muscle rendering its diastole more prolonged and its systole 

 more energetic and complete. 



These are but a few, though perhaps the more important, of the 

 vital relations existing between plants in the causation of disease 

 and plants in the treatment of disease. An adequate consideration 

 of these relations would fill many volumes, but this brief presenta- 

 tion may be of value in indicating one of the exceedingly import- 

 ant applications to life of botanical information. 



Department of Botany, Olivet College, Olivet, Michigan. 



