mi? 
to pressure, the fresh juice is then by brisk succussion mingled with an equal part 
by weight of alcohol. This mixture is allowed to stand eight days in a dark, cool 
place, then filtered. The tincture thus formed is of a brownish-orange color by 
transmitted light, having an odor quite like that of tincture of apis mellifica, an 
acrid, bitter taste, and strong acid reaction. ; 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.—Chelerythrin, C,,H,, NO, This alkaloid is 
identical with Sanguinarina, vide 22. 
Chelidonin, C,, H,, N,O, + Aq. This alkaloid exists particularly in the root. 
When pure it has the following properties: colorless, glassy, tabular, bitter crys- 
tals, losing water at 100° (212° F.), fusing at 130° (266° F.), and decomposing at 
higher heats; it is insoluble in water, slowly soluble in alcohol, and forms color- 
less salts. 
Chelidoxanthin. A bitter principle existing in all parts of the plant, crystal- 
lizing in short, friable, yellow needles, which are very slowly soluble in both water 
and alcohol, 
Chelidonic Acid.—C,H (CO, OH),. A tribasic acid occurring together with 
the other acids in all parts of the plant. It crystallizes in small colorless needles, 
which carbonize by heat, and are soluble both in water and alcohol. 
Malic Acid.—Is also present in the plant, wde Pyrus Americana, 56. 
Citric Acid.—_Herr Haitinger determines (Monatsch., Ch. ii., p. 485) that 
notable quantities are contained in this plant. Vide ut supra. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—The principal action of Chelidonium seems to 
be that of causing congestion of the lungs and liver, especially the latter; it is also an 
excessive irritant, and has a narcotic action upon the nervous system. Thelungs of. 
animals poisoned by this drug have been found, post-mortem, to be highly engorged, 
and in some cases hepatized. The liver under its action becomes the seat of 
much pain, soreness and tenderness ; the bowels move rapidly and freely, with thin, 
bright-yellow, pasty evacuations ; the urine becomes bright-yellow, and even stains 
the linen dark-yellow. It irritates the respiratory nerves, causing a tickling, like 
dust, in the trachea and bronchi, with violent spasmodic coughing, followad by 
dyspnoea and oppression of the chest. Sensations of indolence, sleepiness and 
languor are persistent. Its action upon the skin is that of vesication. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 21, 
1. A portion of the upper part of a blossoming plant from Ithaca, N. Y., May roth, 1880. 
2. Pistil (enlarged). 
3. Section of the ovary (enlarged). 
4. Fruit. 
5. Pollen x 380 
